Body Composition Changes Associated With Methadone Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Methadone is associated with a statistically significant increase in BMI in the first 2 years of treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the changes of body composition (bone mass, % fat, % muscle mass, % water, and basal metabolic rate) related to this increase.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Changes in body composition were monitored, via bioelectrical impedance, in 29 patients in methadone treatment for opiate dependency (age 18 to 44, mean = 29.3, SD = 7.0, 13 men, 16 women).

RESULTS: Within one year from admission to treatment, a statistically significant (t-tests, P < 0.05) increase was noted in their body mass index (BMI), % of body fat, average body mass, and average basal metabolic rate, and relative decrease in their % of muscle mass and % of bone mass. Neither absolute bone mass nor muscle mass changed significantly.

CONCLUSIONS: Physicians involved in care of methadone patients should recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health.