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Published on: March 21, 2021
Body Composition Changes Associated With Methadone Treatment
Gamal E Sadek1, Simon Chiu2, Zack Z Cernovsky3
1Methadone Clinic, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Methadone is associated with a statistically significant increase in BMI in the first 2 years of treatment.
Objectives:
To evaluate the changes of body composition (bone mass, % fat, % muscle mass, % water, and basal metabolic rate) related to this increase.
Patients And Methods:
Changes in body composition were monitored, via bioelectrical impedance, in 29 patients in methadone treatment for opiate dependency (age 18 to 44, mean = 29.3, SD = 7.0, 13 men, 16 women).
Results:
Within one year from admission to treatment, a statistically significant (t-tests, P < 0.05) increase was noted in their body mass index (BMI), % of body fat, average body mass, and average basal metabolic rate, and relative decrease in their % of muscle mass and % of bone mass. Neither absolute bone mass nor muscle mass changed significantly.
Conclusions:
Physicians involved in care of methadone patients should recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health.
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