Clinical Characteristics Associated With Overweight and Obesity in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Second-generation Antipsychotic Use and Related Factors

This clinical study analyzed electronic medical records of 358 autistic youth (ages 5-17) to examine factors associated with overweight/obesity, comparing 97 prescribed second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) with 261 not prescribed. Results showed no significant difference in overweight/obesity rates by SGA use alone, but identified public insurance status and comorbid disruptive behavior disorder as positive associations, while stimulant co-treatment with SGAs showed a protective effect.