In antipsychotic-induced weight gain, about half of patients gain what percentage of body weight?

In antipsychotic-induced weight gain, about half of patients gain what percentage of body weight?

• A. 10%
• B. 5%
• C. 50%
• D. 70%

Answer: (C)

Weight gain from antipsychotics is a common and clinically meaningful side effect. About half of patients experience some increase in weight after starting an antipsychotic, and the amount is usually modest—on the order of 5–10% of baseline body weight within the first few months—though it can be higher with certain drugs (such as olanzapine or clozapine). This is why regular weight, BMI, and metabolic monitoring are important and why clinicians consider agents with lower weight-gain risk when weight concerns are present. In exam terms, 10% is a representative magnitude for many patients, while 5% is also possible; 50% or 70% would be unusually large for most individuals.

Weight gain from antipsychotics is a common and clinically meaningful side effect. About half of patients experience some increase in weight after starting an antipsychotic, and the amount is usually modest—on the order of 5–10% of baseline body weight within the first few months—though it can be higher with certain drugs (such as olanzapine or clozapine). This is why regular weight, BMI, and metabolic monitoring are important and why clinicians consider agents with lower weight-gain risk when weight concerns are present. In exam terms, 10% is a representative magnitude for many patients, while 5% is also possible; 50% or 70% would be unusually large for most individuals.