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Due to their orexigenic action, some classes of medication are likely to increase appetite, which consequently results in weight gain. However, not all medications make you gain weight and not all patients experience these effects.
If you experience sudden weight gain for no apparent reason, it is crucial to consult your doctor for guidance to tackle the issue promptly. Never discontinue your treatment without consulting your doctor first.
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List of common medications that cause weight gain:
According to a publication by the Mayo Clinic (a university medical centre based in the United States), several classes of medication are known to promote weight gain. Here are the drugs best known for causing weight gain during treatment.
Antidepressants and antipsychotics
Antidepressants prescribed to relieve the symptoms of severe depression and motor retardation are effective in restoring energy, pleasure and positive thoughts. However, they also have the effect of reducing the feeling of satiety and thus increasing appetite. This can lead to weight gain, particularly in depressed people who lack physical activity. Antidepressants can also alter or slow down the metabolism, contributing to weight gain.
The same applies to neuroleptics, psychotropic drugs prescribed to relieve conditions affecting the central nervous system. They have the effect of stimulating your appetite and lowering your body’s metabolism. As a result, your body consumes fewer calories and stores more.
Cortisone or corticosteroids
In high doses and when taken for long periods, cortisone can lead to weight gain. This medicine, prescribed to treat inflammation or allergies, can cause salt and water retention. It promotes oedema and the distribution of fat cells, which are concentrated in particular on the face, neck and waist.
Antidiabetic drugs
Many oral or injectable anti-diabetic drugs, such as insulin, can cause weight gain because they promote the storage of glucose in the body. If glucose is not used for energy expenditure, it is stored as fat. It is therefore important to combat overweight linked to diabetes by eating healthily, watching portion sizes and exercising
Antihypertensives (blood pressure medications) and beta-blockers
These drugs, used to treat high blood pressure, encourage salt and water retention. As the tissues swell, they tend to form oedemas.
They also affect thermogenesis. Thermogenesis refers to the production of heat as a result of the body’s metabolic activities. When thermogenesis is stimulated, energy expenditure is increased and excess energy is less likely to be stored as fat.
Following a number of studies, specialists have concluded that beta-blockers tend to reduce thermogenesis, leading to a greater accumulation of fats in the tissues and increased oxidation of fats in the body.
Patients on long-term beta-blocker therapy should therefore pay close attention to their weight, by monitoring their diet and engaging in even moderate physical activity.
The birth control pill
Some contraceptive pills have the side effect of causing weight gain. Of course, this is not automatic and does not affect all women.
This is explained by the presence of oestrogens in these pills and the anabolic effect of progestogens, which are thought to promote water and salt retention, resulting in an increase in weight. What’s more, these hormones are thought to have an effect on the formation of adipose tissue and the distribution of fat, particularly in the thighs and buttocks.
Fortunately, not all pills have this effect on weight. Today, there are ‘new generation’ pills with a lower oestrogen content and a less significant effect of progestins on weight.
This state of affairs should also be the subject of research into external factors favouring excess weight, such as a change in diet, giving up smoking, etc. In addition, a gynaecologist should be consulted if the weight gain becomes significant.
Sleeping pills and antihistamines
Sleeping pills and antihistamines prescribed to combat allergies contain a molecule called diphenydramine. This substance, which has a sedative effect on the body, leads to a reduction in basic metabolism. As a result, the body expends less energy, leading to weight gain.
How to maintain a healthy weight when you’re taking medication?
How to avoid medication-induced weight gain: Prevention and solutions
First and foremost, if your medication is causing you to gain weight, it is strongly recommended that you contact your GP to find solutions to prevent this. Your doctor may be able to make changes to your treatment, such as switching to a different drug or reducing the dose
A few preventive measures!
In all cases, the best way to prevent the side effects of these drugs is to watch your diet, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to avoid excess weight.
In the event of oedema or water retention, it is advisable to limit your intake of salt, fatty and sugary foods. Favour certain fruits and vegetables whose natural fibres have a draining effect: artichokes, asparagus, celery, cucumbers, melons, peaches, grapes, etc., as well as organic proteins (turkey, chicken, fish, eggs, etc.). You should also drink an average of 1.5 litres of water a day. For legs swollen by oedema, you can elevate them or massage them from the bottom up.
