Study finds some antidepressants cause more weight gain than others

Recent studies have revealed a worrying pattern in antidepressant drugs - certain ones have a higher tendency to induce weight gain than others. This discovery holds importance as weight gain can adversely affect both physical and mental well-being, potentially worsening the symptoms of depression that the medication aims to alleviate.

The research, featured in a respected medical journal, examined information from more than 20,000 individuals using different antidepressants. Findings revealed that specific drugs, such as mirtazapine and paroxetine, correlated with increased weight gain rates in contrast to others like fluoxetine and bupropion. These results indicate that healthcare professionals should thoughtfully assess the potential side effects of varying antidepressants before recommending them to patients.

In the 24-month study of 183,118 patients, the estimated weight gain was lower for bupropion compared with sertraline (Zoloft) -- the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the analysis -- at 6 months (difference -0.80 kg, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.42 kg), according to Joshua Petimar, ScD, of Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues.

Bupropion also had lower estimated weight gain at 12 months (difference -0.71 kg, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.55 kg) and 24 months (difference -0.91 kg, 95% CI -1.14 to -0.66 kg) versus sertraline, they reported in the Annals of Internal Medicineopens in a new tab or window.

Researchers used electronic health record prescription data from eight health systems in the U.S. participating in PCORnet, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network, to conduct the study using data from 183,118 adults ages 18-80 years who were new users of antidepressants. While randomized control trials are considered the most rigorous method for comparing the effects of different medications, they are prohibitively costly and time consuming. In this case, the study team emulated a randomized trial by designing their ideal, hypothetical trial and aligning the data to match that trial as closely as possible.

Study investigators compared weight at 6, 12, and 24 months after initiation of eight common antidepressants: sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.

While some people gain weight after starting an antidepressant, the antidepressant isn't always a direct cause. Many factors can contribute to weight gain during antidepressant therapy. For example:

Overeating or inactivity as a result of depression can cause weight gain.

Some people lose weight as part of their depression. In turn, an improved appetite associated with improved mood may result in increased weight.

Adults generally tend to gain weight as they age, regardless of the medications they take.

If you gain weight after starting an antidepressant, discuss the medication's benefits and side effects with your doctor. If the benefits outweigh the side effect of weight gain, consider managing your weight by eating healthier and getting more physical activity while enjoying an improved mood due to the medication.

Certainly! Some individuals may have a type of major depression known as atypical major depression. Unlike typical depression symptoms like decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping, those with atypical major depression experience increased appetite and sleep excessively. This often results in weight gain, even with the use of medication. Therefore, for individuals with atypical major depression, it is advisable to avoid antidepressants that may cause further weight gain.

Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• Our favorite California faces we featured in 2025
• ‘Don’t ask me how I know’: Man goes to Los Angeles coffee shop. Then he drops the secret code they use for celebrities
• New study reveals shocking obesity results among adults