Low glycaemic index diet in patients prescribed clozapine: pilot study

AIMS AND METHOD This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of a low glycaemic index diet in patients with schizophrenia taking clozapine. Seven patients consented to participate in a 5-week pilot study. Measurements were taken of body weight, random blood glucose and cholesterol levels. RESULTS The mean weight loss per patient was 2.9 kg in 4 weeks. Random blood glucose levels reduced from a mean of 5.3 mmol/l at the beginning of the study to 4.7 mmol/l at the end. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A low glycaemic index diet may possibly reduce the substantial cardiovascular risk in patients receiving antipsychotic medication.