Assessment of body composition using bioelectrical impedance in patients with schizophrenia – preliminary report

Abstract

Aim of the studyMetabolic syndrome is found in ~40% of patients treated with antipsychotics and abdominal obesity plays a crucial role in its development. The aim of this study is to evaluate body composition in subjects with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics.Subject or material and methodsAnthropometric (BMI, abdominal, waist, leg and hip circumferences), laboratory (glucose, lipid profile) and body composition (body fat, lean mass, body water) were measured in 77 patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics.ResultsCentral obesity in women was found in >90% and was more frequent comparing to men (p = 0.04). Incidence of dyslipidemia (~80%) and abnormal body weight (~70%) was also high, while impaired level of blood glucose was less frequent (~25%). Women had more body fat (39.2±1.4 vs. 27.7±1.3, p <0.001) and less lean mass and body water. Amounts of excessive body weight and fat were higher in women (13.4±2.1 vs. 8.2±1.5, p = 0.02 and 7.9±1.3 vs. 3.2±1.2, p = 0.008). Percentages of women with weight and body fat exceeding target maximums were higher (96.4% vs. 79.6%, p = 0.04 and 89.3% vs. 67.3%, p = 0.03).DiscussionTreatment with antipsychotics is associated with severe metabolic side-effects. High frequency of abdominal obesity, excessive weight and increased amount of total body fat make women more susceptible to cardiovascular events, thus carefully monitored is required. Assessment of body composition using BIA is an easy and quick method of improving daily psychiatric care.ConclusionsPatients treated with antipsychotics require careful monitoring using available algorithms.