How Antidepressants Affect Weight and What to Do About It

Up to 25% of people who use antidepressants gain weight according to an article published on WebMD (Fat Pharms: Antidepressants and Weight Gain).  While it does not appear that there is absolute certainty as to why this occurs, research suggests that it could be due to a couple of key factors.  One possible factor is that people who are helped by the antidepressants feel better and, therefore, find more enjoyment in eating.  This could lead to over-eating without the individual realizing he or she is doing so.

Another noted possibility is the effect that certain antidepressants have on the body's metabolism.  It should be noted here that studies suggest that some antidepressants may not cause weight gain either short- or long-term and others may actually result in weight loss.

There are several things that one can do to combat this potential weight gain.  Weight control measures should be implemented as soon as possible as it is easier to prevent weight gain than it is to reduce weight once it has already been gained.

Exercise is important to managing weight because it burns calories thus reducing the amount of stored body fat.  Proper exercise may also help raise the body's metabolism rate creating a dual-effect benefit.  Many in the behavioral health field also believe exercise may help counteract depression thus leading to less need for antidepressants which results in less weight gain from use of those antidepressants.

Another way to help reduce weight gain is to eat well-balanced, healthy meals and minimize intake of high-sugar, high-carbohydrate foods and snacks.  Sodas, chips, pasta, bread and candy are a few examples of processed foods that contribute to weight gain.

It may be possible to switch medications to another in the same class of drugs; however, this must be counter-balanced with the effectiveness in treating the depression.  An article published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine also reports that using regular doses of antidepressants with low doses of certain stimulant drugs or seizure medications may help mitigate some weight gain, while adding low doses of Wellbutrin or naltrexone to an antidepressant regimen might also help.  Always consult your physician before taking any type of weight loss product or using any other supplement to help manage weight.  Drug interactions and unintended side effects may make well-meaning efforts far from worthwhile and, could even be potentially dangerous.

Use of dietary supplements and herbal remedies may help manage weight.  There are varying opinions about the effectiveness and safety of using dietary supplements and herbal remedies to help lose weight.  Traditional medical providers seem to embrace natural remedies less enthusiastically than holistic providers and naturalists and both sides routinely cite various studies and logical reasons for their respective positions.  Each person is different and while one may find them to be quite effective, another may not.  Several studies such as those performed by Harvard Medical School, Northwestern University and Carlton Colker, M.D., a researcher at Peak Wellness Inc., suggest that there are benefits to taking supplements, especially when combined with exercise.  If you decide to use dietary supplements or herbal remedies, you should do so under your healthcare provider's supervision.

In summary, if you are taking antidepressants and are concerned about weight gain or have experienced weight gain, discuss the options listed in this post with your healthcare provider.  You just might find a solution to help you lose that weight or, at least, better control it.

Clark Bailey, Owner Baileys Health Store [http://www.baileyshealthstore.com] - Health, Wellness & Nutrition Supplements and Information. Read my blog at Baileys Health Store Blog.

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