Network meta-analysis ranks drugs for antipsychotic-induced weight gain

A systematic review and network meta-analysis pooled 95 randomized trials (N=5898) evaluating 39 pharmacological interventions for weight reduction in antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The analysis reported that semaglutide, liraglutide, topiramate, metformin, and exenatide were associated with the greatest reductions in body weight compared to placebo, with moderate-certainty evidence, while other agents such as ramelteon, nizatidine, and aripiprazole showed weight-reducing effects but with very low certainty. The authors noted clinically meaningful weight loss of 5% or greater with semaglutide and metformin, beneficial effects on other metabolic outcomes with several agents, and no major concerns regarding gastrointestinal adverse effects or study dropout across interventions.

Most relevant for: Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders experiencing antipsychotic-associated weight gain and related cardiometabolic risk.

Summary written by an AI model from the source text and dated by the source's publication date. Check the original before acting on it. How MedFollow selects and summarizes updates.

Informational only. Not medical advice. Not a substitute for clinical judgment. Always consult current guidelines and your own clinical judgment.