Do Antidepressants Cause Weight Loss?

Antidepressants have aided numerous, lots of individuals manage and manage their depression, this specific type of drug has commonly been linked with an unwelcomed side effect: weight gain.

That's a problem not only because added pounds can be harmful, but since the prospect of putting on weight may discourage an individual from taking medications they need.

Let's remove up a few misunderstandings. Not every person gains weight when taking antidepressants.


Scientists don't recognize why antidepressants might trigger weight gain. One concept recommends their result on the natural chemical serotonin influences its role in controling cravings.

It's also vital to keep in mind that some individuals' weight gain could not be directly attributable to the antidepressants they take. For example, there may be biological variables related to the depression itself that causes weight gain or an individual may experience enhanced mood and also cravings while taking an antidepressant, which might likewise cause enhanced weight.

Is One Antidepressant Much Better than One More?

According to the Harvard Health Blog site, a research study from a Harvard-based team shows that the amount gained is typically small, and that it differs little from one antidepressant to an additional.

Nonetheless, a Facility recommends that some antidepressants may create individuals to put on weight greater than others.

Furthermore, a research carried out by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital utilized electronic medical records to track the twelve month weight adjustment of more than 19,000 individuals who took antidepressants for a minimum of three months. They discovered some drugs were related to more long term weight gain than others. As a result, doctor may take into consideration recommending various medications if individuals are concerned with any kind of amount of weight gain.

Regardless, warns that different patients may experience vastly various outcomes. There are a lot of people that do not gain any weight as well as those that gain 30 or 40 pounds.

Individuals' reaction to weight gain similarly varies. A private struggling with severe anxiety might be willing to accept weight gain if their medicine relieves their signs, while somebody with mild depression may be unwilling to endure even a few additional pounds.

Taking Care Of Weight Gain

Patients that experience weight gain while taking an antidepressant might wish to pay closer interest to their diet and also raise their exercise. Studies show exercise itself launches really feel good endorphins and also can aid curb the signs and symptoms of anxiety.

When they are taking an antidepressant, clients may locate shedding weight to be testing.

If weight gain becomes a concern, people need to chat with their doctor to create a plan of action. Because you can get withdrawal signs that can be unpleasant as well as there's a considerable danger that the clinical depression can come back, stopping an antidepressant abruptly is never ever a great suggestion.

Finding the appropriate antidepressant medication that doesn't add additional pounds is a trip you and your healthcare provider can take together.