Abstract
Objective:
Aripiprazole is often prescribed to young people, although there remain unanswered questions about its effects on weight gain. This study undertook a meta-analysis of weight gain occurring in young people with early psychosis who were prescribed aripiprazole.
Method:
A systematic search was conducted for studies reporting on aripiprazole and weight change in young people with a psychotic disorder. A meta-analysis integrated the data into an estimate of effect size.
Results:
Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria amounting to 886 participants (mean age 18 years). The results showed significant weight gain averaging 2.7 kg. These increases were associated with a longer duration of exposure to aripiprazole but not a higher dosage.
Conclusions:
The results highlight the importance of regular patient monitoring and the early implementation of interventions to manage antipsychotic-related weight gain.
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