Metformin -for the Management and Prevention of Antipsychotics Induced Weight Gain

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders, marked by significant psychological or behavioral symptoms, can lead to distress, disability, and limited autonomy. Antipsychotic medications are commonly used for management, but a frequent side effect is antipsychotic-associated weight gain (AAWG), which increases health risks. Antipsychotics are a primary factor in this weight gain. Recent studies suggest metformin, a drug used for diabetes, may effectively reduce AAWG with high efficacy and minimal serious side effects, offering a promising approach to manage this challenging complication. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of metformin in managing AAWG in patients receiving antipsychotic treatment. METHODS: Conducted at the Owaisi Hospital and Research Centre in Hyderabad, this study involved 100 patients in the Psychiatry Department, divided into a test group (n=50) receiving metformin alongside antipsychotic treatment and a control group (n=50) with antipsychotics only. Data was collected from medical records, including both inpatient and outpatient case sheets and treatment charts. RESULTS: The study found that younger adults (18-29 years) comprised the majority of the sample (39%), with females representing 64% of cases. Olanzapine was the most prescribed antipsychotic (34%), with schizophrenia (43%) being the most frequent diagnosis. The test group exhibited significant reductions in both mean weight and BMI, with weight decreasing from 60.45 to 57.98 kg, while the control group showed an increase from 58.24 to 60.94 kg. CONCULSION: The results suggest that metformin is effective in managing AAWG, with higher compliance observed among female patients.