It is normal that when you undergo certain medications, there are changes or side effects that come with them, one of which is weight gain.
When medication is prescribed, it requires a slight lifestyle change. You might be required to change your food consumption and maybe add a physical workout as part of the prescription; this could be another factor that impacts weight.
What about antidepressants? What role do they play in one’s physical health? Several health and well-being experts explain how there can be a connection between your weight gain and medication for depression.
According to Mayo Clinic, while some people may gain weight after starting an antidepressant, this is not always the case. There are several reasons why people gain weight while taking antidepressants. “Weight gain can result from depression-related overeating or inactivity. Some people lose weight as part of their depression. In turn, an improved appetite associated with improved mood may result in increased weight.”
Medical News Today states that most experts do not really understand why antidepressants may cause weight gain in some people. However, “Antidepressants interfere with serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and mood while also controlling appetite; these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta, and desserts.”
According to the WebMD publication, the few antidepressant types listed below have been shown to result in noticeable weight gain:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI): These are said to increase serotonin levels in your brain.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI): These antidepressants are said to alter the communication between brain cells and neurotransmitters in the brain
Tricyclic antidepressants: The same as the SSRIs, the tricylics also raise serotonin as well as norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Also see: The connection between birth control and weight gain
