About 43% of Indians suffer from depression, as per a 2020 study. Evidently, many are on antidepressant medication. Although these drugs help with the condition, they have side effects too. While suffering from depression and on antidepressants, some people gain weight. This can make the situation worse as being overweight and obese are among the risk factors for depression. To understand it better and know ways on how to prevent weight gain, Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Senior psychiatrist and the founder of Manasthali, an organisation that works on mental health-related issues.
What Are The Reasons That Some People On Antidepressant Medication Gain Weight?
The body weight of humans is a complex system that is affected by several factors, such as diet, physical activity, metabolic rate, as well as emotional state. Here is what Dr Kapoor said:
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- Certain antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine inhibitors are more likely to cause weight gain as compared to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
- However, other factors such as the person’s bodily factors and the duration of the treatment also play a role.
- In some individuals, there is a natural tendency to gain weight.
- The metabolism rate also dips as one ages.
- Physical inactivity and emotional or stress-induced eating too play roles.
- Some patients report craving for carbohydrates and/or sugary foods after they take antidepressants. This leads to weight gain.
There is another side of the spectrum too. There are individuals who lose weight while suffering from depression. This is because their appetite decreases and they again gain weight once they get their appetite back.
Effect Of Weight Gain On A Person’s Mental Health Condition
Weight gain can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health condition. This is because “depressed people are more anxious about any negative effects that may be directly or indirectly associated with the medication,” the doctor said. Also, a depressed mental state doesn’t allow a person to look at the positive(s) and on any indication of any harm, he/she dips further down into the helpless/hopeless mode, she added.
Tips On How To Manage Weight For Those On Antidepressant Medication
As per research, weight management techniques for those on antidepressants and those who are not are the same. Here is what you can do:
- Focus on your diet: A well-balanced nutritious diet helps you manage weight. It is also good for mental health.
- Exercise regularly: When you work out daily, it not only helps you shed those extra kilos but also helps in managing the mental health issue.
- Practice mindfulness: Those on antidepressant medication often report carbohydrates/sugar cravings. Hence, if you are mindful, you will be able to better manage those cravings, and thus will save yourself from eating excess and unhealthy foods, which can make you gain weight.
- Consult An Expert: If you are facing troubles, you must consult a dietitian who can make a diet chart specifically catered to your demands, needs, and your physical and mental state.
- Medication: In case the situation worsens, changing the depression medication also works.
Also read: Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy Can Make You Diabetic
When Should You Consult A Doctor?
If you gain a lot of weight in a short duration of time, it is a cause of concern, as obesity is itself a risk factor for depression. “We often follow up on drug-related side effects with our patients and monitor their weight among other things,” Dr Kapur said. Also, lifestyle changes are suggested, as well as if needed, modifications in medicines is done.
Once Off The Antidepressant Medication, Does The Weight Come Down?
Some who gain weight due to the medication tend to get back to their normal/pre-medication weight once the medication is stopped. However, since weight depends on several other factors, others might not be able to lose weight unless they make certain dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Stress is a factor that causes weight gain. Hence, stress management is crucial.
- Weight gain can also result from thyroid disturbance. Hence, you must get your thyroid hormones checked in case of weight gain.
- Also, recent studies show that there is an association between psychiatric issues and gut microbiome and antidepressants can act as antibiotics, and thus changing the gut flora.
Also read: Popping Antidepressants during Pregnancy can Cause ADHD in Child, Finds Study
Hence, a patient needs to inculcate healthy habits around food, exercise, and sleep to not only manage weight but also lead a qualitative life. Also, medication helps the patient to come out of the unmotivated and gloomy state, which in turn helps him/her to lead a happy life.
(With inputs from Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Senior Psychiatrist and Founder of Manasthali)
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