Does Latuda (lurasidone) cause significant weight gain?

From the Guidelines

Latuda (lurasidone) is generally considered weight-neutral or may cause minimal weight gain compared to other antipsychotic medications. Clinical studies show that patients taking Latuda typically experience little to no weight gain, with average increases of less than 2 pounds over short-term treatment periods 1. This makes Latuda a preferred option for patients concerned about weight gain, particularly compared to antipsychotics like olanzapine or quetiapine which are associated with significant weight increases. The lower risk of weight gain with Latuda is likely due to its unique receptor binding profile, as it has minimal effect on histamine H1 receptors and minimal antagonism at 5-HT2C receptors, both of which are associated with increased appetite and weight gain when blocked.

Some key points to consider when prescribing Latuda include:

• It appears to be one of the most weight-neutral options in the class of antipsychotics, along with ziprasidone and aripiprazole 1.
• Regular monitoring of weight and metabolic parameters is still recommended during treatment.
• Patients should maintain healthy lifestyle habits including regular physical activity and balanced nutrition while taking this medication.
• Latuda should be taken with at least 350 calories of food to maximize absorption.
• Individual responses vary, and some patients may still experience weight changes, so close monitoring is necessary.

Overall, the evidence suggests that Latuda is a good option for patients who are concerned about weight gain, due to its weight-neutral profile compared to other antipsychotic medications 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Weight Gain Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use. Clinical monitoring of weight is recommended. The mean change in weight gain was +0. 29 kg for lurasidone-treated patients compared to -0.04 kg for placebo-treated patients. The proportion of patients with a ≥7% increase in body weight (at Endpoint) was 2.4% for lurasidone-treated patients and 0. 7% for placebo-treated patients.

Latuda (lurasidone) may cause weight gain, although the extent of weight gain varies across different studies.

• In adult monotherapy bipolar depression studies, the mean change in weight gain was +0.29 kg for lurasidone-treated patients.
• The proportion of patients with a ≥7% increase in body weight was 2.4% for lurasidone-treated patients. However, weight gain is not typically significant, with a mean change of +0.29 kg and only 2.4% of patients experiencing a ≥7% increase in body weight 2.

From the Research

Latuda (Lurasidone) and Weight Gain

• Latuda (lurasidone) has been studied in several research papers to determine its effect on weight gain in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
• A study published in 2021 3 found that lurasidone was associated with the smallest proportion of patients experiencing clinically relevant weight gain and the greatest proportion of patients with clinically relevant weight loss compared to other antipsychotics.
• Another study published in 2021 4 found that lurasidone showed an average weight loss of up to 0.60 lb at 1 year or less, although this was not statistically significant.
• A review of lurasidone in adult patients with bipolar I depression published in 2015 5 found that lurasidone had a favorable profile with respect to weight gain and metabolic disturbances.
• A network meta-analysis published in 2025 6 found that lurasidone probably results in little to no difference in weight gain compared to placebo in the short term.
• An expert opinion review published in 2018 7 found that lurasidone has a low risk of inducing weight-gain, metabolic, or cardiac abnormalities.

Comparison to Other Antipsychotics

• Lurasidone has been compared to other antipsychotics in terms of its effect on weight gain, with studies suggesting that it has a lower risk of weight gain compared to some other antipsychotics 3, 4.
• A study published in 2021 4 found that brexpiprazole and iloperidone resulted in significant increases in body mass index, while lurasidone showed an average weight loss of up to 0.60 lb at 1 year or less.
• The network meta-analysis published in 2025 6 found that risperidone and aripiprazole may reduce symptoms of irritability compared to placebo in children with ASD, but lurasidone probably has little to no effect on irritability compared to placebo.

Overall Findings

• The overall findings suggest that lurasidone (Latuda) is unlikely to cause significant weight gain in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• Lurasidone has a favorable profile with respect to weight gain and metabolic disturbances compared to some other antipsychotics 3, 4, 5, 7.