Anxiety medications have become a common tool in the battle against mental health issues. However, how they impact body weight has stirred confusion and concern. Here we attempt to uncover the connection between anxiety meds and weight and shed light on whether they can help you shed pounds or potentially lead to weight gain. We’ll also explore the facts and dispel the myths around this topic.
Mental well-being holds a prominent place in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry has astutely seized this opportunity. Numerous drugs are designed to improve the mental health of individuals worldwide. With a growing emphasis on overall health, it is increasingly common for individuals to consult psychiatrists for a number of suspected mental health concerns.
Taking a pill to calm one’s nerves and boost energy might appear straightforward. If you are among those who are prescribed medications for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, it is essential to take a closer look.
The impact of antidepressant medications can vary significantly from one person to another, influencing each individual differently. But is it a fact that these medications may also affect their physical appearance? Continue reading to discover whether anxiety medications have any bearing on weight-related issues.
Firstly, it is crucial to acquaint yourself with the antidepressants commonly prescribed by psychiatrists and their intended treatment purposes.
What is the target area of anxiety medications?
Psychiatrists prescribe antidepressant medications to address the needs of patients diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Depression is a persistent emotional low experienced by individuals, necessitating specialized medical intervention. These medications work to establish an optimal balance of certain brain chemicals responsible for shaping our mood patterns.
Types of Anxiety-Related Medications
Doctors typically recommend medications from two categories: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the more modern Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications exhibit distinct treatment properties and exert varying effects on patients. Each possesses a unique chemical composition that elicits responses that diverge among individuals.
Reasons for weight fluctuations related to anxiety medications
Weight fluctuations, whether gain or loss, may be attributable to various factors and are highly individualized. These drugs can modify an individual’s metabolism and influence their dietary habits. Activity levels may also be impacted during treatment, leading to changes in weight over time. The interplay between metabolism and mobility levels thus contributes to these fluctuations.
Do antidepressant medications cause weight loss?
Similar to any other medication, anxiety medications can potentially affect one’s physical appearance. Research conducted to date has predominantly associated antidepressants with weight gain. Certain medications within this category tend to increase individuals’ appetite, directly leading to weight gain. A study conducted by Alonso-Pedrero in 2019 examined this particular aspect of weight gain in relation to anxiety treatment medications and found an average 5% increase in body weight among patients undergoing treatment.
Conversely, specific categories of antidepressant medications may lead to weight loss. Nevertheless, the number of patients experiencing weight loss is considerably lower. Weight loss as a result of medication may be attributed to the side effects of the drug itself. Individuals taking these medications may exhibit reduced appetite due to feelings of sickness and discomfort. This may also influence their dietary choices, leading them to opt for blander, less oily foods.
Individuals on these medications may notice changes in their temperament and overall behavior, which can positively impact their inclination to engage in physical activity and return to their usual routines. Consequently, this directly correlates with weight loss while undergoing treatment for anxiety and depression.
However, even if weight loss does occur as a result of anxiety medication, such drug-induced weight loss is generally temporary and may eventually lead to an increase in the patient’s weight. Studies conducted by Lee in 2016 have shown that this medication-induced weight loss may last for a maximum of six months.
Certain antidepressant medications are available that do not cause changes in an individual’s weight throughout the course of treatment. Research conducted in 2016, 2022, and 2006 on specific drugs such as Bupropion, Fluoxetine, and Duloxetine has established that these medications neither cause weight gain nor weight loss in patients.
Conclusion
Medical science has made significant strides in enhancing the mental well-being of individuals. While numerous medications are available to address anxiety-related disorders, the effects of these drugs are largely individualized. Weight loss resulting from anxiety medications is less common than the side effects leading to weight gain. Moreover, any weight loss that does occur is typically temporary. It’s important to note that weight fluctuations can be influenced by various factors and are not solely attributable to anxiety treatment medications.