Youth Weight Gain Linked To Use Of Antipsychotic Drugs

The federal grant funded study was performed by Zucker Hillside Hospital and the Feistein Institute for Medical Research in New York. It will be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Wednesday.

Researchers studied 272 kids between the ages 4 and 19 that were diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and disruptive or aggressive behavior spectrum disorder. The antipsychotic drugs that were studied were; Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperdal and Abilify.

These antipsychotic drugs are atypical antipsychotics. They are second generation psychiatric drugs and are considered much safer than older antipsychotic drugs. Risperdal and Abilify are the only two approved for children.

The study revealed that children on these antipsychotic drugs gained weight rapidly. In some cases, the weight gain led to obesity in the children.

Depending on the antipsychotic drug the child was taking, up to a third became obese. The average weight gain for the children after 11 weeks taking the medication was; Zyprexa 18.7 pounds, Seroquel 13.4 pounds, Risperdal 11.7 pounds and Abilify 9.7 pounds.

The concern for the weight gain is that it can create other health issues for these children now and as they get older. Being overweight or obese increases the risks for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cholesterol.

The study did not determine why these antipsyhotic drugs caused the weight gain. It was suggested that it is due to the drugs having an effect on how the metabolizes sugar, they increase appetite and possibly even make those on the drugs less active.

These antipsychotic drugs do offer help for children that suffer from the conditions they treat. Based on the finding of these antipsychotic drugs causing weight gain in the children taking them; doctors will have to monitor their young patients on them closely. They will also need to consider the benefits versus the risks and look at other alternatives when prescribing them.

Written by Denise Clay
Exclusive to HULIQ