Do Anxiety Meds Cause Weight Gain?
Major depressive disorders and anxiety are two of the most pervasive mental health issues around the world. One in three people is estimated to experience depression or anxiety symptoms in their lifetime. While medication can be an effective treatment option, many are apprehensive because of weight gain side effects. In this article, we will explore the science behind anxiety meds and weight gain and provide recommendations for managing weight gain that may result from taking medication.
Analyzing the Science Behind the Relationship between Anxiety Meds and Weight Gain
Several studies have explored the relationship between anxiety medications and weight gain. Scientists suggest that an excessive intake of carbohydrates, which many people experience due to the medication, causes weight gain. Carbohydrates prevent the body from burning fat, causing individuals to gain weight. Moreover, medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants make individuals feel hungrier than normal, leading to weight gain.
Still, there are several methods of mitigating the risk of weight gain while taking anxiety medications, which will be discussed later on.
Professional Insights from Experts in the Field
Doctors and psychiatrists suggest that avoiding excessive intake of carbohydrates, sugar, processed food, and Trans fats can help alleviate weight gain. Moreover, combining exercise with a healthy lifestyle can help prevent this side effect. These experts believe that changes in lifestyle can be more effective than medicine in preventing weight gain.
At the same time, professionals believe that when treating a disorder such as depression or anxiety, the focus should be on the most effective treatment. If medication has no adverse side effects and helps alleviate the disorder, that should take priority.
Real-Life Experiences of Individuals Who Have Taken Anxiety Medication
There are many different anxiety medications available, and not all have weight gain side effects. For example, benzodiazepines like lorazepam tend not to cause weight gain and are therefore widely prescribed because they reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Individuals who have taken medication to treat anxiety report varying experiences and levels of weight gain.
Some patients reported significant weight gain within weeks of medication use, while others did not report any changes. Some individuals who reported weight gain during medication treatment switched to a different anxiety medication without weight gain side effects. That said, the effectiveness of this medication may not have been as high as the medication with weight gain side effects.
Comparing Various Types of Medication and Their Potential Side Effects
There are a variety of anxiety medications available on the market, each with its own set of potential side effects. Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam, Oxazepam, and Diazepam rarely have this side effect. Tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) differentiate in their potent similarity. However, one must be wary of its side effects such as excessive sleep, weight gain, and decreased sex drive.
On the other hand, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, while being highly effective, can cause weight gain. While medication with potential side effects should not dissuade individuals from taking medication, understanding potential side effects and choosing medication that doesn’t lead to weight gain can be helpful.
Suggesting Lifestyle Changes or Alternative Treatment Options That Can Help Mitigate the Weight Gain Caused by Anxiety Medication
A healthy lifestyle has been an incredibly successful way to reduce weight gain from anxiety medication. It’s essential to consume healthy foods that are low in carbohydrates and sugars, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Moderating sugar intake can ease the digestion process and allow the body to burn net calories without going over your intake level. This measure can help individuals who wish to lose weight while experiencing anxiety medication side effects. Furthermore, keeping portions in check and eating a wide variety of different food groups can help prevent unwanted weight gain.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be utilized as an alternative treatment to reduce the risk of medication side effects. CBT is a form of therapy that teaches us how to process our thoughts and actions and build a coping mechanism to reduce harmful reactions to anxiety and depression symptoms. CBT has become standard practice in many treatment facilities around the world and has been shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety and depression symptoms.
Conclusion
While anxiety medication may cause weight gain, the overall effectiveness of treatment generally takes priority. However, there are steps individuals can take to alleviate this side effect. Be mindful of choosing the correct medication that won’t lead to excessive weight gain, has a healthy lifestyle, and takes preventive measures such as cognitive-behavioral therapy when appropriate. While medication is essential to treating anxiety and depression, lifestyle changes can help individuals manage their anxiety disorder in a healthy way while reducing unwanted side effects.