[Monitoring and nutritional advice for weight loss in patients under lithium treatment. A case report].

Abstract

Case presentation: A 44-year-old man patient, under lithium treatment, goes to the community pharmacy requesting nutritional advice for weight loss.

Study and evaluation of the case: Poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity may have contributed to the patient's weight. Lithium concentration may be affected by changes in salt intake in patients receiving lithium treatment.

Intervention: After contacting the psychiatrist, periodic pharmaceutical consultations were scheduled. Anthropometric values and blood pressure were recorded, the presence or absence of lithium intoxication symptoms was monitored, and guidelines for a balanced diet based on the Mediterranean Diet were provided, emphasizing the avoidance of changes in sodium intake. Physical activity was also recommended.

Results: A weight loss of approximately 10% of the initial body weight was achieved, transitioning from the obesity category to the overweight category according to WHO classifications. The patient reported an increase in physical activity, and no signs of lithium intoxication were detected during any of the visits.

Conclusions: The community pharmacist intervention contributed to a safe reduction in the patient's body weight. The community pharmacist is a professional to be considered in the nutritional and lifestyle management of patients.