Metformin for Weight Loss in Schizophrenia

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Metformin for Weight Loss and Metabolic Effects In Overweight Psychiatric Patients Treated With Antipsychotic Medication

Study hypothesis is that patients on antipsychotics medication treated with metformin will show loss in weight and improved measures of glucose metabolism.

Patients who had gained more than 10 lbs of weight in the last 3 months or had BMI of 35 or greater were treated with metformin up to 2500 mg/day in an open label study of up to 3 months time. Changes in weight and glucose measures were recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients will be 18-70 years of age;
• Currently hospitalized or an outpatient at MPC;
• BMI ≥ 35 or excessive recent weight gain ( > than 10 lb weight gain in the past 3 months);
• Patients will have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age below 18 or over 70;
• Patient is currently already treated with metformin.