Managing weight is a significant challenge for people living with schizophrenia. Many of these individuals take antipsychotic medications, which can often lead to weight gain as a side effect. Finding effective ways to manage weight while maintaining mental health is a major priority for patients and doctors alike.
A review of data from nearly 6,000 patients found that several medications could help reduce body weight. Semaglutide showed the largest reduction, followed by liraglutide, topiramate, metformin, and exenatide. These five medications were backed by the highest level of evidence in the study, making them stand out as effective options for weight management.
While the results are promising, the evidence for some other medications, like ramelteon and nizatidine, was much weaker. The study also noted that while some medications had gastrointestinal side effects, there were no major concerns regarding patients dropping out of the study. Talk to your doctor to see if these options fit your specific health needs.
