10 Types of Drugs That Make You Gain Weight Without Knowing It

If you are trying to lose weight, you probably know that you need to have a balanced diet, rich in vegetables and fruits and low in white flour, sugar and fat.

In addition, everyone who has tried to lose a few pounds knows that the best results are obtained when we combine a proper diet with a physical exercise routine, which increases caloric expenditure.

However, we often end up forgetting a factor that can greatly influence our weight: the medicines we consume.

In addition to helping our body fight infections, pain, inflammation and emotional illnesses, among other pathologies, these substances have side effects, and weight gain can be one of them.

Enemy medicines of the scale

Often, with the intention of fighting a health problem, we end up generating another one because of the side effects of the drugs. However, before looking for the medicines you use in the list below, keep in mind that we should never stop a treatment without talking to the doctor.

1. Antidepressants

While most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have no side effects on weight, Paxil® (paroxetine) is known to encourage the accumulation of a few extra pounds.

Prozac® (fluoxetine), in turn, has a satiety effect in the first few weeks of use, but some research shows that with prolonged use for more than 6 months, patients gain weight again.

Tricyclic antidepressants such as Tryptanol® (amitriptyline) are even more associated with weight gain than the SSRI class. Another category to consider is tetracyclic antidepressants such as Remeron® (mirtazapine), which is sometimes prescribed as an appetite stimulant for elderly patients.

2. Corticosteroids

Oral or injected corticosteroids, such as Predicorten® (prednisone) and Predsin® (prednisolone), are notorious for the side effect of weight gain when used in high doses or for long periods. In general, these drugs are prescribed to treat inflammatory and autoimmune processes.

3. Mood stabilizers

Used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other disorders, mood stabilizers can have weight gain as a side effect.

Two drugs in this class that are often linked to gaining a few pounds are Carbolitium® (lithium) and Depakote® (valproic acid/valproate). Some drugs in this class may also be prescribed as anticonvulsants.

4. Antihistamines

Taking a few antihistamine tablets for two or three days to fight a simple allergy will not make you gain weight, but long-term treatment with Zyrtec® (cetirizine), Allegra® (fexofenadine) and Claritin® (loratadine) may help you put on a few extra pounds.

This is because, by blocking the action of histamine in your brain, these drugs disrupt the regulation of food consumption, disrupting hunger and satiety.

5. Medicines for diabetes

The treatment of type 2 diabetes with Diabinese® (chlorpropamide), Starlix® (nateglinide) and Novonorm® (replaglinide) aims to regulate insulin levels in the body, which ends up also affecting appetite. Thus, one of the consequences of using these drugs can be weight gain. Insulin treatment itself can make the patient gain weight.

6. Contraceptives

While most birth control pills can cause weight gain by promoting fluid retention, Depo-Prova® (medroxyprogesterone acetate), which is an injectable contraceptive, can lead to actual weight gain.

7. Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are the drugs of choice for the treatment of hypertension. The downside is that some of them, especially older ones, can cause weight gain.

Among them are Inderal® (propranolol), Lopressor® (metropolol) and Angipress® (Atenolol), which can decrease calorie burning and lead to overweight.

8. Migraine treatment

Medications intended for the treatment of migraine, such as the aforementioned antidepressants of the SSRI and tricyclic categories, Depakote (valproic acid/valproate) and Neurotin® (gabapentin) can also lead to weight gain.

9. Calcium channel blockers

Used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as tachyarrhythmia, angina and hypertension, calcium channel blockers such as Sibelium® (flunarizine) and Dilacoron® (verapamil) can contribute to the rise of the scale.

10. Cancer treatment

Patients struggling with cancer often take medications such as Miantrex® (methotrexate), Genuxal® (cyclophosphamide), Nolvadex® (tamoxifen), Efurix® (5-fluorouracil) and aromatase inhibitors (Aromasin® or exemestane), which, among other side effects, still favor weight gain.

The risks of discontinuing a medication without guidance range from the return of symptoms to even stronger infections and withdrawal syndrome. So if you think any of your medications are helping you gain weight, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. There are other treatment options and he will be able to guide you through this process.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.