Weight gain risk is observed in 40% of patients taking which class of antipsychotics, especially low potency?

• A. FGAs
• B. Antipsychotics
• C. SGAs
• D. Antidepressants

Answer: (A)

Weight gain with antipsychotics varies by drug class and potency. The drugs in the low-potency first-generation group tend to cause more weight gain because they broadly block histamine H1 and other receptors that influence appetite, along with sedation that can reduce activity. This combination drives increased caloric intake and decreased energy expenditure, leading to weight gain in a sizable proportion of patients—about 40% in some reports. While some second-generation antipsychotics (like olanzapine and clozapine) also have high weight gain risk, the hallmark here is the strong weight gain propensity linked to low-potency FGAs. The other options don’t fit this specific pattern as cleanly, since antidepressants aren’t antipsychotics and the statement emphasizes a particular class and potency.