Managing the overweight neurology patient: Clinical strategies

Lawrence J Cheskin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Neurologic therapeutics are the primary cause of significant weight gain for neurology patients. When prescribing a drug, the physician weighs the benefit of the drug against the risks - serious side effects and potential drug-drug interactions. Weight gain is often not considered a serious side effect. Even modest amounts of weight gain, however, entail health risks. From the patient's perspective, weight gain can seriously impair health-related quality of life, which may severely impact adherence to a drug regimen. Studies have shown weight gain is major factor in nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs, antiseizure drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics. Neurologists need not be trained in obesity management to help prepare patients for the additional challenges of being prone to weight gain before beginning a drug regimen. They may also serve as coach in helping the weight-gaining or overweight/obese patient to identify ways to control weight; a summary of recommended clinical strategies is reviewed here.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalAdvanced Studies in Medicine
Volume3
Issue number6 A
StatePublished - Jun 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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