Role of metformin in the management of antipsychotic‐induced weight gain

Overweight and obesity are a threat to health, longevity and quality of life. With the growing trend of using atypical antipsychotics for various psychiatric disorders, concern regarding adverse effects has shifted from extrapyramidal side effects to weight gain and metabolic abnormalities. In this review, the author analyses the extent of the problem, the evidence base for using metformin to counteract the weight gain, and prescribing advice for using metformin effectively.