The Christmas holidays, the good food on vacation or the inner pig – often the reason for one or the other extra kilo on the scale is obvious. But if your pants pinch even though you haven’t changed your diet or habits, there may be a drug behind it. Because some active ingredients can cause weight gain as a side effect. We explain how weight gain can occur due to medication and which tablets can make you fat.
Why does weight gain from medications occur?
Several mechanisms can be the cause of weight gain while taking medications: Often, an increased appetite leads to increased caloric intake as a side effect. In addition, some agents can cause dry mouth or increased thirst. If calorie-containing drinks are therefore consumed more frequently, this can promote weight gain. Furthermore, taking some medicines can lead to water retention, which increases weight. A direct effect of certain drugs on the energy metabolism can also influence weight. However, the exact cause of weight gain is often not clear.
Which medications make you fat?
Medications act differently in each person – the occurrence of side effects varies individually and also depends on the dosage. Interactions with other medications can also play a role. There is therefore no list of tablets that make you fatter. Nevertheless, there are some groups of active ingredients for which weight gain is frequently observed. These include:
- Cortisone-like active ingredients (glucocorticoids).
- Medications for mental illness (antidepressants and antipsychotics).
- Insulin and other drugs against diabetes
- Hormone preparations
- Drugs against epilepsy (anticonvulsants)
- Medicines against high blood pressure such as beta blockers.
- Migraine medications such as pizotifen and flunarizine
- Anti-allergic medications (antihistamines)
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
- Certain drugs against Parkinson’s disease (dopamine agonists).
Cortisone causes weight to increase
Drugs with active ingredients similar to cortisone can lead to weight gain in several ways: On the one hand, cortisone has an appetite-stimulating effect. Second, it can lead to water retention (edema), which manifests itself as swollen ankles and a bloated face, for example. With long-term use, cortisone also promotes the breakdown of muscles, which reduces the energy metabolism. However, these side effects usually only occur when cortisone-containing tablets are taken. When used topically – for example, as a spray for asthma – the risk of weight gain is very low.
Antidepressants affect appetite
Among the drugs for depression, the so-called tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants in particular, as well as some serotonin uptake inhibitors, have an appetite-increasing effect. The active substances fluoxetine and bupropion, on the other hand, inhibit appetite and can thus lead to weight loss. Lithium, which is primarily used in manic depression, particularly frequently leads to weight gain. It is suspected of influencing carbohydrate and fat metabolism, thyroid function and appetite. Valproate and carbamazepine are used for both manic depression and epilepsy and may also increase weight.
Birth control pills: low risk for weight gain
The birth control pill is often suspected of making you fat. In fact, the hormone progestin contained in it can increase appetite. In addition, with the exception of the mini-pill, it usually contains additional estrogen, which can lead to water retention and, in higher doses, to an increase in body fat. However, the contraceptive drugs now available are dosed so low that the risk of weight gain is relatively low. However, hormone replacement therapy, which is used for menopausal symptoms and other conditions, may use higher dosages.
Gaining weight through medication – critical in diabetics.
Diabetics who have to inject insulin often struggle with their weight. This is because insulin inhibits fat burning and promotes the build-up of fat deposits. However, some diabetes medications that are taken as tablets can also lead to weight gain.These include the so-called sulfonylureas such as glibenclamide and active ingredients ending in –glinide or -glitazone. Weight gain due to diabetes medication is often particularly problematic, as many type 2 diabetics are already overweight and every additional kilogram has a negative effect on the disease. Possible alternatives are the so-called incretin mimetics and the active substance metformin, which promote weight loss. It is best to ask your doctor about this.
Thyroid medications affect metabolism
Thyroid hormones play a critical role in energy metabolism. If they are given as a medication for hypothyroidism, they can lead to weight loss. However, if the dosage has recently been reduced, this may explain an increase in weight. So-called thyrostatic drugs given for hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, inhibit thyroid function and thus may cause weight gain. It is best to talk to your doctor about this if you notice a change in your weight while taking thyroid medication.
6 Tips to prevent weight gain from medications
Weight gain can be an unpleasant side effect when taking medications, leading some patients to stop taking the medication on their own. This can have dangerous consequences. Therefore, if you have the impression that you are gaining weight due to a medication, you should not stop taking it under any circumstances, but make an appointment with your specialist. He or she may be able to change your medication or give you tips on what to do about the weight gain. We have compiled an overview of possible countermeasures for you:
- Change intake time: You may be able to avoid an appetite-increasing effect if the medication is taken before bedtime. To do this, ask your doctor whether it would be possible to take it in the evening.
- Draining agents for edema: Some medications for high blood pressure can lead to water retention. A combination with the draining and blood pressure-lowering agent hydrochlorothiazide can counteract edema. However, under no circumstances should you take drainage medication independently, but discuss this with your doctor.
- Change medication: against many diseases, there are alternative agents that carry a less significant risk of weight gain. Ask your doctor if another medication is suitable for you.
- Candies for dry mouth: dry mouth as a side effect may tempt you to consume sugary drinks. Instead, reach for sugar-free candies or chewing gum.
- Change diet: Even if weight gain is due to a medication, common weight-loss measures can help: A balanced, reduced-calorie diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains, and avoiding carbohydrates in the evening can counteract weight gain.
- Exercise: Any form of exercise can help prevent weight gain. Targeted strength training also increases the energy metabolism even at rest by building muscle.
