Antidepressant Weight Gain: The Necessary Trade-off

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Health )



THE WEIGHT GAIN ISSUE

It is widely accepted fact that weight gain is one of the more off-putting antidepressant side effects. Antidepressant drugs are known to cause noticeable weight gain for those who are using them on a regular basis, similar to some types of birth contraceptive pills.

Cases of antidepressant weight gain have been known to be the biggest single complaint of those who are using them. As such, the fear of antidepressant weight gain is the single biggest reason why patients refuse to take antidepressant drugs, or do not comply with the treatment plan, stopping earlier than prescribed.

This can be alarming because some people can really benefit from taking anti depressant drugs. Most cases of depression can really affect the person's quality of life and can even be debilitating at times. And to refuse antidepressant meds just because of the fear of antidepressant weight gain is serious cause for concern for doctors and therapists.

MIND OVER MATTER

While there is a physiological basis for antidepressant weight gain, there is also the psychological factor that must be taken into consideration. Because people expect to gain weight from taking antidepressant drugs, they may unconsciously begin to live a lifestyle that makes the gain weight inevitable. Antidepressant weight gain becomes a self fulfilling prophecy for most people.

However, those who are planning to take antidepressant drugs need not fear. The truth is that antidepressant weight gain varies from the type of medications you are taking, and the weight gain is very manageable with an active lifestyle and healthy eating. You can counter the antidepressant weight gain by being more physically active and choosing healthier foods.

The use of antidepressant drugs has been proven to help depressed people overcome their illness, and regain control over their lives. And to stop using them because of antidepressant weight gain is truly depressing.


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