People with schizophrenia (SCZ) are 30% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome (MetS) than the general population, contributing to higher mortality rates. Despite this, large-scale studies examining the causes of MetS in SCZ patients are limited.
Using real-world health data from the Estonian Biobank, with a median follow-up of 10 years, this study explored how genetic predisposition and antipsychotic treatment influence the development of MetS in SCZ patients. The study analyzed treatment patterns, genetic risks for MetS traits, MetS progression, and changes in body mass index (BMI) in 677 SCZ patients compared to 2,708 age- and sex-matched controls.
The findings showed that SCZ patients had a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia but a lower genetic predisposition for increased BMI and inflammation (C-reactive protein levels). However, they had worse MetS outcomes, with nearly double the risk of developing MetS compared to controls. Interestingly, better adherence to antipsychotic medications during the first year of treatment was linked to a lower long-term risk of MetS. The study also found that both genetic predisposition and antipsychotic treatment significantly contributed to a steep rise in BMI in SCZ patients over time.
These results highlight the importance of integrating genetic information and long-term health tracking to improve MetS prevention and management strategies for people with schizophrenia.
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