Which baseline assessment should be obtained prior to starting an atypical antipsychotic due to obesity risk?

• A. Urinalysis
• B. Thyroid function tests
• C. Serum creatinine
• D. Baseline weight

Answer: (D)

The main point is that weight serves as the most direct baseline measure for obesity risk when starting an atypical antipsychotic. These medications often cause weight gain, and having an initial weight (often alongside BMI) provides a clear reference to detect meaningful increases after treatment begins. That helps clinicians monitor metabolic risk, guide counseling on lifestyle changes, and consider medication adjustments if weight gain becomes problematic. Other tests don’t address weight changes as directly: urinalysis checks for kidney or urinary issues, thyroid function can influence weight but isn’t the immediate, primary baseline for antipsychotic-related obesity risk, and serum creatinine assesses kidney function rather than weight trajectory.