Medications and weight gain

Few common medications linked to weight gain. Medication can make you gain weight by increasing your appetite, triggering water retention or causing fatigue, which makes you inactive.

If you suspect that your medication may cause weight gain, you need to consult your doctor not to stop using it, instead to have lower dose or replacing it with another one.

1. DIABETES MEDICATIONS

Taking diabetes medications that regulate blood sugar levels can expand your waistline, as insulin is an anabolic hormone, so injecting or inhaling it can promote the storage of glucose and fat. You can avoid this by eating more plant-based food and having healthy lifestyle.

2. ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Antidepressants can trigger weight gain or weight loss, depending on the individual and the specific drug you’re taking.

Bottom of Form

If an overweight person loses weight while on medication, it could mean they’re getting out of depression. Weight gain can also be positive, if depression made you lose weight.

However, when an overweight person gains weight while on antidepressants, it’s probably a side effect of the antidepressant. Some antidepressants, such as Paxil, have been linked to weight gain while Wellbutrin is less likely to cause weight gain.

3. ANTIHISTAMINES

Studies have been show that users of H1 antihistamine had higher waist circumference, weight and insulin concentrations compared to those who didn’t take it.

4. BIRTH CONTROL

Several studies shows that the effect of contraceptive on weight is minimal. However, they’ve also been shown to cause hormonal imbalance, which causes weight gain. Other sources say they increase appetite and trigger water retention.

You can choose pills that have low levels of estrogen and progesterone.

5. ANTIPSYCHOTICS

All antipsychotic medications have been shown to trigger weight gain as they can impair your blood sugar levels. They can also raise your blood cholesterol levels.

6. BETA-BLOCKERS

Beta-blockers are the most common medications for treating hypertension, but they have several side effects such as weight gain, reduced insulin sensitivity and ruining lipid profile. .

Discontinuing medications without a doctor’s guidance can be dangerous. If you suspect that your medications are causing unwanted weight gain, talk to your doctor.

Sources:

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-popular-medications-linked-to-weight-gain.html

https://www.everydayhealth.com/high-cholesterol/treatment/medication-raising-cholesterol/