How Your Medications Affect Weight Loss

Vicki Witt
May 27
5 min read

Updated: May 29

Losing weight can be difficult for anyone, but if you have a chronic condition or need to take medication for another reason it can be even more difficult. This is because there are several medications that contribute to weight gain or make weight loss difficult.

This can be very frustrating because in many cases excess weight makes these conditions worse or can lead to other conditions. In this article, we’ll investigate medications that may be causing you to gain weight or at least have trouble losing excess weight. At the end, I’ll explain some recommendations to avoid weight gain associated with these medications.

Medications that cause weight gain

Diabetes medication

If you are taking insulin to control diabetes this can lead to weight gain. Sulfonylureas increase insulin production and can also lead to weight gain. Thiazolidinediones help to improve insulin sensitivity and can also contribute to weight gain.

There are several diabetes medications that don’t cause weight gain. These include metformin and GLP-1s. GLP-1s have several known side effects and have lawsuits related to their use.

Antidepressants

How you respond to antidepressants is individual, but for some people they can cause weight gain. Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and some atypical antidepressants can cause weight gain. Weight gain may be caused by an increased appetite due to serotonin regulation.

Weight gain can be due to other factors so lifestyle changes are an important part of controlling weight gain when treating depression.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) medications.

Beta blockers are used to treat high blood pressure. Weight gain is a side effect of some beta blocker medications. Beta blockers can slow metabolism and cause fatigue leading to weight gain.

If you are concerned about weight gain, check with your physician to see if a newer medication is more appropriate for you.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are often used to treat conditions related to inflammation like arthritis, asthma and Crohn’s disease. These include medications like prednisone, hydrocortisone and cortisone. These medications can lead to increased appetite, fluid retention and increased fat storage, leading to weight gain.

There may be alternatives to medications like these - using an inhaled steroid for asthma or combatting inflammation with dietary and lifestyle changes.

Migraine medication

Since the risk of chronic migraines increases with weight gain, it’s important for migraine sufferers to keep weight under control. Unfortunately, some migraine medications can contribute to weight gain. Medications like valproic acid and amitriptyline can contribute to weight gain. It is believed that these medications can stimulate appetite leading to more food being consumed.

If you’re experiencing weight gain while on migraine medication, ask your physician if different medications are appropriate for you. Making sure that you are eating a healthy diet can help to mitigate weight gain. And keep in mind that migraines can also be reduced by including foods like fatty fish, broccoli, spinach and flax seeds in your diet.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are commonly used for allergies, colds and sleep problems. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical involved in immune function and digestion. Some antihistamines can stimulate appetite and cause drowsiness. Both of these symptoms can contribute to weight gain.

Short term use of antihistamines shouldn’t cause weight gain, but if you are taking antihistamines for long term use, you’ll want to make sure you are taking a second generation antihistamine which is less likely to cause drowsiness.

Make sure you are staying hydrated and pay attention to what you are eating to limit the weight related effects of antihistamines.

Epilepsy medication

If you suffer from epilepsy, you are likely taking an anti-seizure medication. Weight gain is a side effect of some anti-seizure medication, including valproic acid, gabapentin and carbamazepine.

Your medical staff will carefully choose your medication based on the type and severity of the seizures you have. These medications have other severe side effects so your overall tolerance to these side effects needs to be considered, but if you are concerned with weight gain this should be discussed with your physician.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic drugs are used to treat mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately many people gain weight while taking these medications. Antipsychotics affect your appetite control and they can raise blood sugar and fat levels, contributing to weight gain.

Not everyone gains weight on these medications and some are less likely to cause weight gain. But if weight gain is an issue for you, then discuss this with your physician.

Oral and injectable hormonal birth control

Weight gain can be a side effect of oral and injectable contraceptives. Modern birth control contains lower hormone levels so there is less of a chance of real weight gain. Some weight gain due to water retention may occur.

Oral contraceptives usually contain the synthetic hormone progesterone which causes an increase in appetite and some weight gain. Contraceptives that contain estrogen are more likely to cause water retention.

Injectable birth control is more likely to cause weight gain. Typical weight gain on progestin injectable birth control is 5 lbs in the first year.

What can you do?

If a medical professional has prescribed medications to treat your condition it is important that you don’t stop taking it abruptly, or lower the dose in an attempt to prevent weight gain. Here are some things you can do:

how to avoid weight gain while on medication

Talk to your physician about alternative medications that have less effect on your weight
Eat a healthy diet including lean protein, vegetables, legumes and healthy fats
Practice stress reduction techniques
Get adequate sleep
Get a healthy amount of physical activity
Seek professional help

How I can help

I can help you come up with a plan for your diet and lifestyle which will help you to lose weight and will complement the treatment prescribed by your medical team and in some cases reduce or eliminate certain medications (under guidance of your prescribing doctor). Together we will develop a plan that works for your unique body and your medical conditions.

Book a free nutrition assessment

Warm wishes,

About Vicki:

Vicki Witt is a Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Coach, and Reiki Master. She has been practicing over 25 years and specializes in holistically customizing diet and lifestyle plans to each individual for weight loss and hormonal control. Her clientele often report they feel the best they have ever felt and wish they had started sooner. One of the USA and Australia's top Nutritionists, she has won multiple awards for her services in the industry.