{"id":171066,"date":"2024-07-25T02:03:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T09:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=171066"},"modified":"2024-07-23T15:41:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T22:41:00","slug":"a-new-study-states-which-antidepressants-cause-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/a-new-study-states-which-antidepressants-cause-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"A New Study States Which Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
It is no secret that antidepressants can cause weight gain<\/strong>, which is one reason people want to avoid them. A recent study highlighted exactly which antidepressants are more likely than others to increase body weight. Researchers examined the electronic health records of more than 183,000 people (aged 18 to 80) in the United States taking antidepressants for the first time. The team tracked overall weight for 24 months.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers compared various drugs to Zoloft, the most readily prescribed antidepressant among study participants. After six months, Zoloft users gained half a pound, and people taking Prozac experienced similar weight gain. Those prescribed Cymbalta, Paxil, and Celexa gained a little more on average. Lexapro users experienced the most weight gain of 1.4 pounds at the six-month mark. That number increased to 3.6 pounds after 24 months. Although people taking Wellbutrin did not experience weight gain at six months, they did gain a pound after 24 months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers suggest that people who experience unwanted weight gain<\/a> as a side effect of taking antidepressant are less likely to continue taking medication. That is why study authors wanted to compare weight gain across first-line antidepressants. Understanding this may help inform clinicians to make the best decisions for the overall health of their patients.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact mechanism for weight gain is not fully understood, and it wasn\u2019t explored in the study. Some researchers suspect a few reasons as to why antidepressants may cause some people to gain weight. Health experts believe that it has to do with an increase in serotonin, the chemical that plays a role in overall mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Celexa all raise serotonin levels. Similarly histamine receptors, such as tricyclic antidepressants<\/strong>, raise serotonin levels. Increasing serotonin can enhance a person\u2019s appetite and cravings<\/a> for carbohydrate-rich foods. Additionally, some research suggests that certain antidepressants can change metabolism by slowing metabolic rate. They may also influence insulin, make people sluggish and lazy, and promote fat storage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is possible for some people to lose weight<\/a> once they get off antidepressants, but that isn\u2019t feasible for everyone. Some changes that result from taking antidepressants take a long time to wear off, for example, metabolic changes. The extent of weight loss after you discontinue antidepressants can vary depending on medication use, metabolic changes, and overall lifestyle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to health experts, weight gain is a factor to consider when deciding on an antidepressant. Not only can weight gain increase feelings of depression<\/a>, but it can also exacerbate underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension. Someone who is depressed may also feel overwhelmed by having to manage weight, in addition to their mental health. For this reason, clinicians need to be careful about addressing these concerns prior to prescribing antidepressants.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each class of antidepressants works differently, so medical professionals should consider a person\u2019s symptoms and medical history. People with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or those who abruptly quit alcohol or sedatives should not take Wellbutrin. The reason for that is because it can increase the risk of seizures and cause other symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, and risk of hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Is Weight Gain A Common Side Effect?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Balancing Weight Gain With Other Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n