INTRODUCTIONThere is increasing evidence that second-generation antipsychotics are associated with weight gain. However almost all available literature has been for Caucasian populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODSA health quality improvement project was undertaken at the Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital to monitor patients who were started on second-generation antipsychotics. This 2-year survey of 266 patients on second-generation antipsychotics closely tracked weight gain and other physical and biochemical parameters.

RESULTSOf the 222 patients regularly monitored, 78.4% had weight gain (mean weight gain 1.9 kg, maximum weight gain 20.1 kg). Weight gain group liability was highest for clozapine (72.4%), followed by olanzapine (66.7%) and risperidone (65%). Most of the weight gain occurred in the fi rst 4 weeks of treatment and 95.9% of those who gained weight had done so in the fi rst 6 months. The maximum weight gain was seen at 12 weeks for risperidone and 8 weeks for clozapine, quetiapine and olanzapine; the latter having another peak at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONThe survey confirms that weight gain is also a problem for Asian patients treated with second-generation antipsychotics. It reinforces the need for the regular monitoring of patients and the need for psychoeducation and advice on diet and a healthy lifestyle.