I asked this question when I was first diagnosed, and I am curious that no one ever seems to consider the patient's body weight and metabolism as a factor in dosing...it is always due to "disease progression". I have since run across a handful of studies that have found correlation between weight, plasma levels, and metabolism. I am not in denial; the disease has a clear agenda, and we do need more meds over time to control symptoms. I wonder though what percentage our weight and metabolism plays in our drug doses?

The common belief is that the amount of levodopa you take directly connects you to disease severity, but weight does play a part and in ignoring it there may be some consequences:

- People with lower body weight have increased plasma levels of levodopa.
- This inverse relationship may factor into dyskinesia onset and severity.
- Clinical trials have some validity problems when looking at other treatments like agonists, MAO Inhibitors, etc. when levodopa is also part of the mix if participant's plasma levels are all over the place.

The authors conclude: Moreover, future studies on the progression of PD or efficacy of neuroprotective drugs should not be evaluated by the need for levodopa alone, but should also discuss the putative influence of body weight. (Muller, et al. 2000)

Metabolism also plays a role. Metabolism (of levadopa) is accelerated with prolonged therapy due to development of an enzyme induction. (Goodman & Gelman 1990)

Has anyone noticed any changes in medicine efficacy around times of weight gain or loss? Is there anything to the idea that dyskinesia might be exacerbated in those who have lost weight?

Laura