Psychiatric Meds Can Bring on Rapid Weight Gain in Kids
Younger children and adolescents who take drugs such as Zyprexa and Seroques are showing increased LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. These drugs are used to treat patients suffering from schizophrenia, autism, tics, severe bipolar disorder, and aggressive behavior. Consequences of not taking prescription drugs include suicidal thoughts, educational problems, and emotional scars. Children who do take the drug subsequently gain weight during youth and are predisposed to develop chronic health problems later on.
More studies are needed to draw conclusions on the long-term effects that these drugs have on metabolism. Short-term tests show that children taking antipsychotic drugs for the first time gained 10 to 19 pounds. The control group was composed of children who refused treatment and, on average, they gained less than 1 pound. Weight gain had gone unnoticed before, as tests were conducted on children who had already been taking the drug. Weight gain also appears to level off with time.
Researchers have not determined the mechanism by which weight gain occurs in these patients. There are obvious signs as the children have noticeably larger carbohydrate cravings. The drugs have a mild sedative effect, and the patients consequently burn fewer calories than they would if they were not taking the drug.
This article is important to consider because it serves as a reminder to us of the complexity of the human body. As bioengineers, we are always trying to find new ways to improve the human condition. In the process we look for certain aspects of the system to manipulate in order to bring about positive change. The antipsychotic drugs mentioned in the article drastically improve the lives of children and adults with psychiatric problems. It is now apparent that there are sizable side effects which may drastically alter the metabolic systems of these patients. Thus we are constantly faced with the task of designing a solution that minimizes its effects on other parts of the body, which is very difficult.
Jason George
Vtpp 434-501
Article:
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/48851/title/Psychiatric_meds_can_bring_on_rapid_weight_gain_in_kids
More studies are needed to draw conclusions on the long-term effects that these drugs have on metabolism. Short-term tests show that children taking antipsychotic drugs for the first time gained 10 to 19 pounds. The control group was composed of children who refused treatment and, on average, they gained less than 1 pound. Weight gain had gone unnoticed before, as tests were conducted on children who had already been taking the drug. Weight gain also appears to level off with time.
Researchers have not determined the mechanism by which weight gain occurs in these patients. There are obvious signs as the children have noticeably larger carbohydrate cravings. The drugs have a mild sedative effect, and the patients consequently burn fewer calories than they would if they were not taking the drug.
This article is important to consider because it serves as a reminder to us of the complexity of the human body. As bioengineers, we are always trying to find new ways to improve the human condition. In the process we look for certain aspects of the system to manipulate in order to bring about positive change. The antipsychotic drugs mentioned in the article drastically improve the lives of children and adults with psychiatric problems. It is now apparent that there are sizable side effects which may drastically alter the metabolic systems of these patients. Thus we are constantly faced with the task of designing a solution that minimizes its effects on other parts of the body, which is very difficult.
Jason George
Vtpp 434-501
Article:
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/48851/title/Psychiatric_meds_can_bring_on_rapid_weight_gain_in_kids
posted by Jason George at 6:15 PM
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