The Effect of a Weight Management Program During Treatment With Olanzapine

The Effect of a Weight Management Program to Prevent Weight Gain and Metabolic Abnormalities During Treatment With the Atypical Neuroleptic Olanzapine: A Randomised Study

The study is a prospective, randomized, open-label study.

The principal objective of this trial is to investigate the effect of a comprehensive behavioural treatment program on weight gain in schizophrenic patients under olanzapine treatment, and on subjective well-being.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for schizophrenia
• Ages between 18 and 65
• Informed consent
• Weight gain of at least 1.5 kg in the first 4 weeks
• A sufficient understanding to participate adequately in the weight management program
• Patients must agree to cooperate with all tests and examinations required by the protocol.
• Each patient must understand the nature of the study and must sign an informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious, unstable somatic illnesses
• Illnesses associated with weight gain including renal and endocrine diseases
• Weight change greater than 3 kg in the preceding three months
• Weight gain less than 1.5 kg in the first 4 weeks