How To Avoid Weight Gain On Antidepressants
People who take an antidepressant often run the risk of having the side effect of gaining weight. This fact can make some people want to stop or nor even begin taking life changing antidepressants. It could also have a negative emotional effect on the person taking them and cause them to become even more depressed. All of this can be avoided if one knows how to avoid weight gain on antidepressants.
Current research has been inconclusive in finding the reason as to why people gain weight; as a side effect of taking an antidepressant. Doctors do know how to avoid weight gain in antidepressants. If you are taking an antidepressant and worried about adding on extra pound the following steps can be used to stay lean while taking care of your mental health.
Many doctors agree that weight gain on an antidepressant is related to the dosage of the antidepressant being taken by a patient.
If you have noticed weight gain while taking an antidepressant or you are concerned about gaining weight once you start, then a lower dose of the antidepressant which you have been prescribed; may be the answer your looking for. Speak with your doctor about your concerns in regards to maintaining a healthy weight. See if your doctor can prescribe the lowest dose possible to reduce the weight gaining effects of the drugs.
It takes a while for an antidepressant to build up in the users system to have the full effects of reducing depression. During the beginning stages of taking an antidepressant it is a good idea to stock your pantry with healthy foods. This is because some people tend to eat more when feeling depressed. If feelings of depression are lingering, prior to an antidepressant kicking in, eating more could result; thus additional weight gain.
Should you still see an increase in your weight while on a lower dose antidepressant it may be time to speak with your doctor again. This time see if your doctor can prescribe you a different medication to treat your depression. This may be the key for you in avoiding the additional pounds which can be added with then use of antidepressants.
Recent research has shown that those who are on a prescribed antidepressant have less or no increased weight if they add Omega 3 fatty acids to their diets. While Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to work in weight maintenance while on antidepressants, Omega 3 from foods seem to work best. Try adding salmon, walnuts, and other Omega 3 rich foods to your diet to keep the excess weight off.
Being sure to stay hydrated is another way to prevent weight gain due to fluid retention; while taking an antidepressant. The reason has not been clearly identified as of yet but some antidepressants act as diuretics in some people who take them. When the body is dehydrated it goes into survival mode and stores the water in the body. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day may help eliminate this problem.
Sticking to an exercise program can be beneficial in more than one way to those who are taking antidepressants and looking to maintain their weight. Exercise can make people feel happier and more energetic while offing weight control benefits.
All of the steps may not just stop weight gain but may lead to an overall healthier life.
Posted in Fitness & Weight Loss
