Chat with Your Pharmacist: Medication Weight Gain and Solutions
Avoid using drugs alone
Frankfurt am Main — Struggling with an unexpected weight gain even though your diet and exercise routine remain consistent? Sometimes, medications can be the culprit, according to the Hessian Chamber of Pharmacists.
Certain prescription drugs can stimulate your appetite, affect metabolism, hormonal balance, and energy levels, or cause fluid retention. If you can't explain the extra pounds otherwise, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Which Medications May Lead to Weight Gain?
Here are some prescription drugs that may potentially contribute to weight gain, as per the Chamber of Pharmacists:
- Various psychotropic medications
- Some insulins and other antidiabetic drugs
- Selected beta-blockers
- Corticosteroids
- Hormones like hormone therapy for prostate cancer
- HIV treatments
Common signs that you may be gaining weight due to medications include:
- Perpetual hunger
- Maintaining weight despite dietary and lifestyle improvements
- Starting a new medication within the last few weeks
When to Consult Your Doctor
If you suspect your medications might be causing the weight gain, don't stop taking your prescriptions without prior discussion, the pharmacists advise. Switching medications independently may compromise your treatment's effectiveness.
Instead, consult with your healthcare provider about your concerns. Your physician can assess if there's an alternative medication that doesn't affect or even reduces weight. In some cases, a healthier lifestyle could counteract weight gain.
To minimize weight gain risks, it's essential to discuss the potential for weight gain with your doctor when prescribed a new medication. Left unchecked, excess weight may affect self-esteem and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, gout, and accident proneness. Regular check-ups can help detect medication-related weight gain early.
Common Medications Associated with Weight Gain
| Drug Class | Examples | Main Indicators of Weight Gain ||-----------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|| Antidepressants | Paroxetine, Citalopram, Mirtazapine| Increased appetite, rapid onset || Antipsychotics | Olanzapine, Risperidone | Significant gain, metabolic changes || Diabetes Drugs | Insulin, Pioglitazone, Glimepiride| Appetite changes, fat storage, weight gain || Corticosteroids | Prednisone, Betamethasone | Fluid retention, increased appetite || Antiepileptics | Valproate, Divalproex | Appetite changes, slowed metabolism || Beta-blockers | Propranolol, Atenolol | Weight gain without lifestyle change |
If you experience unexpected weight gain after starting a new medication, coordinate with your healthcare provider to explore alternatives or coping strategies. Keeping a healthy lifestyle, being mindful of your medication choices, and maintaining regular check-ups can help manage this issue effectively.
References:
[1]Mayo Clinic. (2019). Weight gain: Causes, signs and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-gain/art-20048203
[2]The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. (2020). Diabetes drugs can promote weight loss through different mechanisms. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/press-releases/2020/diabetes-drugs-can-promote-weight-loss-through-different-mechanisms
[3]MedlinePlus. (2021). Corticosteroids. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682401.html
[4]Psychiatry Advisor. (2020). How to minimize weight gain associated with antipsychotics. https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/schizophrenia/how-to-minimize-weight-gain-associated-with-antipsychotics/
[5]National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2020). Gilenya (fingolimod) in MS. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medication-Management/Disease-Modifying-Therapies/Fingolimod
- Taking certain psychotropic medications, insulins, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, hormones, HIV treatments, or antiepileptics could potentially lead to unexplained weight gain due to increased appetite, fluid retention, or metabolic changes.
- If you're experiencing perpetual hunger, maintaining weight despite dietary and lifestyle improvements, or have recently started a new medication, it's crucial to discuss these potential weight gain causes with a healthcare professional, as there might be alternatives or coping strategies available.
