Research

Hormonal

Treatment with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) significantly increases hunger and appetite, with an odds ratio of 1.51 for appetite increase compared to controls.

If you are taking second-generation antipsychotics (like olanzapine, clozapine, or risperidone), expect an increase in hunger and appetite. This is a known biological side effect linked to how the drug interacts with brain receptors, not a lack of willpower. Discuss this with your prescriber; they may monitor your diet or adjust medication to manage this increased drive to eat.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Hunger was increased in participants treated with SGAs with an odds ratio for appetite increase of 1.51 (95% CI [1.04, 1.97]; z = 6.40; p < 0.001).
Hiba Mutwalli et al. · Journal of Psychiatric Research · 2023

Why this rating

Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of 92 papers with 11,274 participants, though heterogeneity was noted.

Source

Eating cognitions, emotions and behaviour under treatment with second generation antipsychotics: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Hiba Mutwalli et al. · Journal of Psychiatric Research · 2023

DOI 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.02.006

Meta-analysis · 92 studiesCited 14×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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