When I researched this topic I was going
to do the top 10 drugs that cause weight gain
but I discovered the top 10 were all
mental health related drugs, so I looked
at the top 20 and they were all mental health too
So I guess that I’m going to talk about
mental health problems and weight gain…
Before I continue though I want to make it very clear
NEVER stop taking your tablets even if it’s going
to mean a substantial weight gain for you
NEVER stop taking any meds
especially without the consent of your doctor
If you are depressed or psychotic the last thing
you need is feeling fat, bloated and unattractive
trust me I know! I take 2 mood stabilisers
3 different anti depressants and 5 anti psychotics
and intermittent use of some others
EVERY single one of them causes weight gain
I kinda add a new one every year or so 🙂
So, lets have a quick look at the top meds
that cause weight gain as a side effect:
- anti depressants
- anti psychotics
- mood stabilisers
- anti anxiety drugs
- beta blockers
- birth control
So if you are taking one or more of these
and you have gained weight or are scared of
gaining weight – don’t panic!
the first thing to get straight in your head
is why you need the meds in the first place
and THAT is more important than any weight gain
Weight can be managed and fixed
but the only way your head or body will be fixed
is by taking the meds
Next, weight gain is usually in the first 3 months
of about 7lbs and often can be lost again over the
next 12 months
So, why do you gain weight?
it depends on the drug but the common factors are
- an increase in appetite
- slower metabolism
- drowsiness and fatigue
- depletion of nutrients from the body
- cravings for sugar and fatty foods
I recently discovered that two of my meds deplete
the body of carbs thus causing me to crave sugar
and now that I know that I have a healthy carb snack
on hand to eat about 1 hour from taking my tablets
and this is where I present the solution…
Understand that weight gain is a possibility
but also that you can do something about it
Exercise is helpful (although can be difficult
if you are new to the meds and feeling side effects)
knowing when your weak times are
and what you are likely to crave
then you can limit the damage
It’s also worthwhile speaking to your doctor
as some drugs are worse than others and you may
be able to switch
Is it possible to lose weight while on these meds?
Yes but results can be slow – you really need to vary
your exercise programme and be so careful that you
either don’t overeat or eat the right foods
If you need any help – email me
Carolyne
p.s. I’ve managed to stay in my weight range over the past 15 years of taking these meds so I know it’s possible 🙂
