Antidepressants make you gain weight, according to Harvard University.

Antidepressant treatment can be a vital tool for people suffering from depression, helping to significantly improve their quality of life. However, one of the common side effects of these drugs is weight gain. In this article, we will look at the causes of this phenomenon, the types of antidepressants that Harvard University has found to be most associated with weight gain, and how to manage this side effect without compromising your depression treatment.

Using data from 183,118 adults aged 18 to 80 who were taking antidepressants for the first time, Harvard University analyzed the effects of eight of the most common antidepressants: sertraline, citalopram, bupropion, escitalopram, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, paroxetine, and duloxetine. The researchers collected data over periods of 6, 12, and 24 months.

The results varied depending on the type of antidepressant. Joshua Petimard, one of the study’s authors, commented: “Patients and their doctors often have several options when they first start taking antidepressants. This study provides important real-world data on the amount of weight gain to expect when starting some of the most common antidepressants.

Results of a six-month study

• Escitalopram, paroxetine, and duloxetine: These antidepressants are associated with a 15% risk of weight gain, 5% greater than sertraline.

• Bupropion: This drug is 15% less likely to cause 5% weight gain than sertraline.

• Fluoxetine: was not associated with significant weight change at six months compared with sertraline.

Weight gain is a serious side effect that can cause patients to stop taking their medications, so patients and their doctors may consider weight gain as a reason to choose the medication that best suits their needs.

In short, according to this study, the antidepressants most likely to cause weight gain are escitalopram, paroxetine, and duloxetine. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is the best member of this subclass in terms of weight gain. Bupropion, on the other hand, was the antidepressant with the least impact on weight.

These findings provide valuable guidance for patients and physicians when considering treatment options, highlighting the importance of evaluating the side effects of antidepressants alongside the therapeutic benefits.