Which Antidepressants Contribute to the Most Weight Gain? A New Study Reveals

 

Which Antidepressants Contribute to the Most Weight Gain? A New Study Reveals

A recent study delving into the effects of antidepressants on weight gain has revealed intriguing findings. Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the study examined the body mass of over 183,000 participants at intervals of six months, 12 months, and 24 months after they began using antidepressants. The results show that certain antidepressants are more likely to lead to weight gain than others.

Key Findings from the Study

• Escitalopram (Lexapro): Users gained an average of 3.6 pounds over two years.

• Paroxetine (Paxil): Users gained an average of 3 pounds over two years.

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Users gained an average of 1.7 pounds.

• Sertraline (Zoloft): Users gained an average of 3.2 pounds.

Some antidepressants were found to cause a weight gain exceeding 5% of the users' baseline weight within just six months. For instance, with an average baseline weight of 84 kg (approximately 185 pounds), a 5% increase translated to an average gain of 4.2 kg (about 9 pounds).

However, not all antidepressants led to significant weight gain. Bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban), for example, showed a 15% lower risk of clinically meaningful weight gain compared to sertraline. While the study did not delve into the reasons behind this, other research has corroborated the finding that bupropion is associated with less weight gain.

The Importance of Consulting with a Physician

Given these findings, it's crucial for patients concerned about weight gain to discuss their worries with their healthcare providers. Lead study author Joshua Petimar, an assistant professor of population medicine at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, emphasizes the need for open communication between patients and clinicians. The choice of antidepressants should consider various clinical factors, including the patient's symptoms, medical history, current medications, and potential side effects.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the varying impacts of different antidepressants on weight gain, underscoring the importance of personalized medical advice. If weight gain is a concern, discussing this with a healthcare provider can help tailor a treatment plan that best suits individual needs while minimizing unwanted side effects.

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FAQs

1. Which antidepressants are most likely to cause weight gain?

• Antidepressants like escitalopram, paroxetine, duloxetine, and sertraline have been found to lead to weight gain, with escitalopram causing the most significant increase.

2. Are there any antidepressants that do not cause weight gain?

• Yes, bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) is associated with a lower risk of weight gain compared to other common antidepressants.

3. How much weight gain is considered significant in this study?

• A weight gain exceeding 5% of the baseline weight within six months is considered significant. For example, with an average baseline weight of 84 kg (about 185 pounds), a 5% increase equates to about 4.2 kg (9 pounds).

4. What should I do if I'm concerned about weight gain while taking antidepressants?

• It's important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They can consider your clinical symptoms, medical history, and other factors to recommend the most suitable medication for you.

5. Why is bupropion associated with less weight gain?

• The study did not explore the reasons why bupropion is linked to less weight gain, but other studies have also found similar results.