A Psychoeducational Program for Weight Loss in Patients who have Experienced Weight Gain during Antipsychotic Treatment with Olanzapine

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. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.