Obesity is a complex disease that is not caused by one single issue. Many things factor into the equation that leads an individual to gain weight to the point of threatening their health.
It affects everyone around the world with data suggesting that “the number of obese people in the world has tripled since 1975 to roughly 30% of the total population”[1], and this number continues to rise.
This disorder is one of the leading causes of death because it dramatically decreases a person’s life expectancy. Obesity puts people at higher risk for several diseases or illnesses, such as: diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, strokes, and high blood pressure. The outcomes of developing obesity are many and can change according to each patient, as well as the causes why people gain weight. We’ve already talked about the different factors that can cause sudden or unmanageable weight gain, such as the social environment a person grows up in, menopause, mental health issues, and other underlying medical conditions.
Mental health and obesity can be tightly intertwined in the sense that one can be heightened or worsened by the other. It’s a dangerous loop that puts the patient’s health at a dangerous risk if either one is not treated. Depression, one of the most common mental health issues, can be treated with the use of different antidepressants, making the patient’s daily activities and lifestyle more manageable.
At LIMARP®, we offer integral treatment programs that focus on the patient’s mental and physical well-being. Our team of doctors also include licensed psychologists that can help you understand and manage what you’re experiencing throughout your weight loss journey, as well as guide you through any circumstance that may be hindering your overall health.
This article will focus on the link between the use of antidepressants and unexpected weight gain.
As always, we’d like to remind you that each case or circumstance is different, so it’s important you contact your doctor if you start experiencing any negative symptoms that can be linked to the use of antidepressants. Your well-being, both mental and physical, is highly important to us and we pride ourselves in offering the best assistance possible so that you can reach your health goals and lead your ideal lifestyle.
What Are Antidepressants?
According to the CDC[2], antidepressants “are the third most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States and are taken by 11% of Americans aged 12 years and over”, which is why we consider it important to talk about them in order for you to have more information. First of all, these medications are not only used to treat depression, they can also be used for some anxiety disorders, some chronic pain conditions, and to help manage some addictions[3]. The effectiveness of antidepressants varies according to the patient and to their condition; some may find them extremely helpful and see improvements in their mental state, while other may encounter more adverse side effects, such as an increased recurrence of depressive episodes or suicidal thoughts[4].
There are also several types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs), among others. Make sure to speak with your doctor to ensure that you get the right antidepressant to treat your condition; self-diagnosing and prescription are not recommended, since the side effects for each antidepressant are different and can be dangerous.
Some of the most common side effects that people who take antidepressants include serotonin toxicity[4], gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches and dizziness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and weight fluctuations. This last side effect can manifest itself in unexpected weight gain or weight loss, and according to Medical News Today[5], “25% of people using antidepressants experience an increase in weight”.
The Link Between Antidepressants and Weight Gain
Although weight gain is a very common side effect of using antidepressants, there’s not a clear reason that can explain why some people may experience it and some don’t, which is why researchers have posed several hypotheses that explain this weight fluctuation. Certainly the weight gain can be exacerbated if the patient’s diet is heavy on carbohydrates, especially if eating had become a coping mechanism before starting their psychiatric treatment. This can be treated by lifestyle changes that include changing their diet and adding a workout routine to their daily activities.
If the weight gain is unexpected, it can be linked to the type of antidepressant the patient is on and these are some of them that have been proven to have increased weight as a side effect:
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and doxepin.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine.
- Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- Mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant.
A 2000 study[6] suggested several reasons why people tend to gain weight when they start their antidepressant treatment and the first one is that the patient’s mental health condition is actually improving. Depression can cause a decreased appetite and fatigue, which combined can cause weight loss; an increase in weight can be viewed as positive because it signals that their appetite has improved and that they’re eating a healthy amount of calories.
On the other hand, that same study suggested that weight gain may be a residual symptom of depression even though the patient has gone into remission. This can be due because weight gain is also a symptom of depression and it can be hard to overcome even though the antidepressants are being effective. If you’ve made significant changes to your lifestyle to reduce the amount of weight you’re gaining, but aren’t seeing results, contact your doctor so you can discuss alternative antidepressants or other types of treatments that can benefit both your mental and physical health.
Another reason why your weight may be affected is because antidepressants directly interfere with serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that affects our appetite. This can lead a person to consume high-calorie foods or excess carbohydrates. The patient’s metabolism can also be affected and even though they’re following a healthy diet, their body may not be as effective in regulating hormones.
Weight fluctuations can have a serious impact on a person’s mental health and while antidepressants can help, the sudden gain can bring ups and downs within the treatment. If this symptom becomes unmanageable, do not stop your antidepressant treatment without consulting your doctor first; going off it in a sudden fashion can put your health at risk or worsen the side effects of your depression.
Your doctor may suggest a different type of antidepressant or changing the dosage, which should be carried out gradually to avoid any further complications. Any other lifestyle changes that have a direct impact on your health should also be consulted with an expert first.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you want to learn more about the link between antidepressants and weight gain, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.
References
- [1] “Most Obese Countries 2022”. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-obese-countries. (Accessed August 24, 2022).
- [2] Pratt LA, Brody DJ, Gu Q. Antidepressant use in persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2005–2008. NCHS data brief, no 76. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2011.
- [3] Jennings, Leigh (2018). “Chapter 4: Antidepressants”. In Grossberg, George T.; Kinsella, Laurence J. (eds.). Clinical psychopharmacology for neurologists: a practical guide. Springer. pp. 45–71. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-74604-3_4. ISBN 978-3-319-74602-9.
- [4] Boyer EW, Shannon M (2005). “The serotonin syndrome” (PDF). N. Engl. J. Med. 352 (11): 1112–20. doi:10.1056/NEJMra041867. PMID 15784664.
- [5] “How can antidepressants affect weight gain?”. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319527. (Accessed August 24, 2022).
- [6] Fava M. Weight gain and antidepressants. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000;61 Suppl 11:37-41. PMID: 10926053.