Antipsychotic Medication-Associated Weight Gain: Development of an Evidence-Based Management Algorithm and Practice Guideline for Primary Care Providers

Abstract

Obesity is a growing public health concern. Although people from all walks of life are affected by obesity, rates of this chronic disease are especially high among individuals with mental illness. Of particular concern are patients who take antipsychotic medications, as weight gain is a well-established side effect of many of these drugs. This practice inquiry project investigated the problem of antipsychotic medication-associated weight gain by applying the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to develop a preliminary evidence-based practice guideline and algorithm for use by primary care providers. As part of the project, an interdisciplinary panel of key stakeholders evaluated the proposed guideline for both quality and applicability. The results of this evaluation are discussed with future revision and expansion of the guideline in mind. Additionally, implications for advanced nursing practice are examined and strategies for promoting safe, effective, patient-centered, and equitable health care are suggested.