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Antidepressants and Weight Gain (Cont.)

Preventing and Treating Weight Gain From Antidepressants

If you are noticing unexplained weight gain while taking an antidepressant, there are some things that you can do. Some suggestions include:
 
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet. This diet should include:

 

    • Lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
    • Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
    • Limited amounts of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars.

 

  • Getting regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
     
  • Limiting your intake of alcohol.
     
Not only will these steps help to limit weight gain, they are also beneficial for health in general.
 
Also, if you are noticing weight gain with an antidepressant, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can give you other suggestions for dealing with any weight gain. He or she may also look for other causes of weight gain, such as certain types of medical conditions. If the weight gain continues, your healthcare provider may also recommend other lifestyle changes or possibly switching to another antidepressant.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;