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Clozapine and body mass change
F R Frankenburg1, M C Zanarini, J Kando
1McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts 02178, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|April 21, 1998
Summary
Clozapine treatment leads to significant weight and body mass gain in both female and male patients, increasing cardiovascular risks. This highlights the need for monitoring body mass changes during clozapine therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Clozapine is associated with weight gain in patients.
- Increased body mass is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clozapine's impact on body mass and related factors.
- To assess the potential cardiovascular risks associated with clozapine-induced body mass changes.
Main Methods:
- 42 patients on clozapine for over 1 year were assessed.
- Measurements included weight, height, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI).
- Regression analysis identified factors influencing body mass changes.
Main Results:
- Both female and male patients showed significant increases in BMI.
- Female BMI increased from 23.2 to 29.1 kg/m2 (p = .001); Male BMI increased from 26.4 to 29.7 kg/m2 (p < .001).
- Initial BMI, clozapine dose, and reduced smoking were significant predictors of final body mass.
Conclusions:
- Clozapine therapy consistently leads to body mass gain in both sexes.
- This gain in body mass may elevate the risk of cardiovascular morbidity in patients treated with clozapine.