Antipsychotic medicines can lead to weight gain because they affect your metabolism and appetite, making you more likely to eat more and burn fewer calories. 

How antipsychotics impact your body 

Antipsychotics, especially medicines like clozapine and olanzapine, are known to change the way your body handles food and energy. They can make you feel hungrier and slow down your metabolism. This means you might eat more and your body uses less energy, which can lead to putting on weight. 

Why does this matter? 

Weight gain from antipsychotics isn’t just about how you look. It can increase your risk of health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. If you’re worried about your weight while taking these medicines, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you find ways to manage your health. 

What can you do? 

• Speak to your doctor if you notice changes in your weight. 
• Learn more about antipsychotic side effects on our medication information page. 
• Find support and tips for healthy living in our antipsychotics and physical health section. 

If you’re concerned about weight gain or any side effects from your medication, don’t wait. Visit our advice and information pages or speak to your GP.