Antidepressants and Weight Loss – Is Losing Weight a Hopeless Cause?

Understanding the connection between antidepressants and weight loss can be very confusing. Paxil is known for causing weight gain while Prozac actually helps some people lose a bit of weight.

While many manufacturers of these drugs claim that there is no cause and effect relationship between antidepressants and weight loss, many people who take them long term find that there is a relationship. That’s why it is very important to do a variety of things if you are concerned with maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight while taking antidepressants:

1. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, preferably before they give you the first prescription for antidepressants.

2. Watch what you are eating as a healthy, well balanced diet is the best way to control your weight whether you are taking antidepressants or not.

3. Start exercising! Regular workouts will not only help you control your weight but will lift your mood and make you feel better emotionally.

4. Know the side effects of all medications you are taking and watch for signs of weight gain when you first start an antidepressant. Ask your doctor for a change of prescription if you notice a connection between your antidepressants and weight loss or gain.

There are many different types of antidepressants that are regularly prescribed by doctors, so you don’t necessarily have to take one particular one. In most cases doctors will have alternatives that can be used when the connection between antidepressants and weight loss is a big concern.

Doctors can only make this determination between medications if you tell them that you are worried about gaining weight, want to start losing weight, or just want to make sure you maintain a healthy weight over time. Let your doctor know your concerns right from the beginning and they will help you find the right drug that works with your waistline as well as your mood.

Lifestyle Choices

The best thing you can do to control your weight while taking antidepressants is start to make healthier lifestyle choices. You may not be in control of your body’s reaction to your antidepressants, but you are in control of the food that goes into your mouth and the amount of movement that you allow your body to experience.

It doesn’t have to be difficult. Try to eat healthy, well balanced meals with a lot of fruits and vegetables at least 80% of the time. Focus on living an active lifestyle, rather than trying to devote yourself to an overly complicated workout routine.

Take baby steps and gradually increase your time exercising. Keep your eyes set on the final prize: feeling better, looking better, and behaving better!

For most people, there definitely is a connection between antidepressants and weight loss. These drugs can cause your weight loss results to slow down or completely stall out and some may put your body at risk of substantial weight gain.

Just remember that the antidepressant and weight loss connection also has a lot to do with your lifestyle. When you start living more active you will naturally lift your mood and control your weight!