How Can I Prevent Weight Gain While Taking Antipsychotic Drugs? Part 2
What next?
A few years ago, there was a study from China on how to treat weight gain induced by medications. The Chinese study involved use of the drug, Metformin, to help reduce weight gain. Metformin is a very old antidiabetic drug and today is widely used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetics. The drug can help reduce weight and decrease glucose levels. In the Chinese study, treatment with Metformin, in addition to dietary changes and increased physical activity, reversed weight gain in some people who took antipsychotic medications. Not everyone had the same result, but overall it is claimed the drug did wonders.
There is no question that Metformin is a good antidiabetic drug and can help obese individuals lose weight. However, this Chinese study is very questionable.
Metformin is only recommended for use in Type 2 diabetics. The drug can significantly lower blood sugars. If a nondiabetic takes Metformin, he or she will develop hypoglycemia, and if not treated urgently, can go into a coma. There is no sane physician in North America who will prescribe Metformin to a nondiabetic - this is a sure invitation for a lawsuit.
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As a student of natural health, I'd suggest looking into orthomolecular nutrition to address psychotic issues. There have been many successful studies done on the benefits of vitamins and minerals and their relationship to behaviors and thought patterns. By addressing what is missing in the brain and body, one can easily balance their bodies with nutrition. The side effect of this is better health. Drugs can only address and mask the symptoms and cause side effects, one of which is weight gain.
Written by Dawn Nelsen, author of Girlfriends Diet Diary www.dawnnelsen.com
Thanks for your input. i sincerely agree that sometimes adding more drugs just makes things worse. Will recommend all my future readers read the article by Dawn Nelsen. SB