A psychoeducational program for weight loss in patients who have experienced weight gain during antipsychotic treatment with olanzapine.

Author(s): Mauri M, Simoncini M, Castrogiovanni S, Iovieno N, Cecconi D, Dell'Agnello G, Quadrigli M, Rossi A, Donda P, Fagiolini A, Cassano GB

Affiliation(s): Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. mmauri@med.unipi.it

Publication date & source: 2008-01, Pharmacopsychiatry., 41(1):17-23.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducational program (PEP) for weight control in patients who had experienced an increase of body weight during treatment with olanzapine. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomised to the PEP (Group 1) or to no intervention (Group 2) and continued on olanzapine. After 12 weeks, the PEP was also started in Group 2 and continued in Group 1, up to week 24. Body weight was measured every month. Other measures included quality of life, and change in plasma glucose and lipids levels. RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 (n=15) had a mean weight loss of 3.6 kg at week 12 and 4.5 kg at week 24 (p<0.01 at both times, p<0.01 between groups at week 12), while those in Group 2 (n=18) had no changes at week 12 and a significant weight loss at week 24 (-3.6 kg from week 12, p<0.01). Changes of BMI paralleled those of body weight. Quality of life (Q-LES-Q-SF categorisation) and functioning (GAF) significantly improved in the total population at endpoint (p<0.01). No significant changes were observed in fasting glucose and lipid profile, while insulin levels significantly decreased from baseline to endpoint in both groups (p<0.05). HOMA index and hepatic insulin sensitivity improved, too. DISCUSSION: Patients with increased BMI during treatment with olanzapine experienced significant weight and BMI loss following a structured psychoeducational program.