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

Background. Metabolic syndrome is found in similar to 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. Methods. Anthropometric (BMI, abdominal circumference), laboratory (glucose, lipid profile) and body composition (body fat, lean mass, body water) were measured in 77 patients with schizophrenia. Results. Central obesity in women was found in >90% and was more frequent comparing to men (p = 0.04). Incidence of dyslipidemia (similar to 80%) and abnormal body weight (similar to 70%) was also high, while impaired level of blood glucose was less frequent (similar to 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. Comparable energy expenditures combined with lower basal metabolic rate in women may cause higher weight and more body fat. 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 comparing to men (96.4% vs. 79.6%, p = 0.04 and 89.3% vs. 67.3%, p = 0.03). Conclusions. Treatment 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.