Weight changes during clozapine treatment

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and magnitude of weight changes pre- and post-clozapine and to explore the ability of demographic and clinical factors to predict weight gain at 12 months post-clozapine. Method: Weight changes in a sample of 51 patients were assessed at 3 months preclozapine, at baseline, and at 3 and 12 months post-clozapine. In addition, demographic data and information concerning changes in appetite and activity level at 3 months was gathered and used to predict weight gain at 12 months. Results: Seventy percent of patients gained an average of 7.5 kg (10.6% increase in baseline body weight) over the 12-month period. Although post-clozapine weight gain for the total group was significant at 12 months, weight gain for the female subsample (n = 16) did not reach significance at either the 3 or 12 month assessments. The only factors associated with marked weight gain (> 15% increase) at 12 months were increased food intake early in treatment and having gained weight at 3 months. Conclusion: Clozapine treatment was found to be associated with significant weight gain in patients prescribed clozapine, especially male patients. Considering the longterm health risks associated with excess weight gain, health professionals can play an important role in educating clients about the potential for weight gain with clozapine treatment.