Brain insulin study aims to uncover why antipsychotics cause weight gain

NCT ID NCT03741478

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how the antipsychotic drug olanzapine changes the way the brain responds to insulin, which may explain why these drugs often lead to weight gain and diabetes. Healthy volunteers will receive olanzapine or placebo, along with insulin nasal spray, and undergo tests of glucose metabolism and memory. The goal is to understand the brain's role in these side effects, not to treat any disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Olanzapine and intranasal insulin

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could clarify how antipsychotics cause metabolic side effects like weight gain and diabetes, potentially leading to safer treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study in healthy volunteers, not patients. Results may not apply to people with mental illness, and the findings are exploratory.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Center for Addiction and Mental Health

    Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada

  • University Health Network - Toronto General Hospital

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada