Weight gain with ADs?

[sensitiveswan]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced weight gain as a side effect of ADs? I have put on about 2kg in the last couple of months. I know it's not much, but I don't feel like I've been eating more. I could have though, and not have realised. Has anyone else experienced this? How did you manage it? Just calorie control and exercise?

Thanks in advance x

[Zeal]

Hi ss,

There have been good posts about this topic before, so I thought I would link you to one that I feel is relevant to you:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/weight-gain-a-side-effect-of-a-certain-antidepressant-anyone-else-experienced-this#qhTO1nHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

Not everyone necessarily experiences weight fluctuations while on antidepressants. A doctor once told me that the active ingredient in the medication itself doesn't cause weight gain - it's that, when the meds start to work (i.e. depressive/anxiety symptoms easing), often people feel more relaxed (and may be inclined to eat more or change other behaviours). Hormone/neurotransmitter differences as a result of taking the meds also have a part to play. That wasn't well explained, but hopefully that makes some sense!

Best wishes,

Zeal

[MsPurple]

Hi SS. Unfortunately some medications can cause weight gain. It does vary between different classes and types but there is a risk, but many studies show that weight gain isn't that high on AD. Weight gain can be caused by many things such as: constipation, menstrual cycle (maybe you are weighing yourself on a different day of your cycle than last time), muscle gain, weighing at a different time of day etc. Depression can also cause some people to lose their appetite. So for some people weight gain maybe caused by the appetite coming back (this isn't always a fair assumption because some people lose weight with depression and once they are receiving help gain the weight back due to being healthier). People need to not compare their weight from when they are at there lowest point of their depression but how they were prior to it (what their average weight was if you get what I mean). I feel like I have gained some weight on my AD however I know that because of work and moving I haven't been as active. I maybe eating less but less active. SO I try not blame the AD until I am back to my usual exercise routine. I try stay away from scales sometimes as I have had an eating disorder in the past and seeing my weight as it is makes me feel bad even though I am at a healthy weight.

Overall try not stress too much. If you are concerned maybe talk to your doctor about it. YOu could also see a dietitian. They can help with your diet and make sure you eat a nutritionally adequate diet.

[sensitiveswan]

Thanks MsPurple, There's a lot of good advice there. I think you're right. I'll try to up my exercise and be more accountable to what I'm eating before I start blaming the AD 🙂

[MsPurple]

No problem Swan. I feel your pain. Weight gain is never fun.

[blondguy]

Hi Swan

Ive been on an AD every morning for 20 years...Just me, but I still fit into the same size 32" Levi's as I used to then...if thats any help

My best for your new job tomorrow, Paul x