Can Going Off Antidepressants Make You Lose Weight

Mental health is essential to your overall quality of life and sense of well-being.  Globally, depression affects 17% of the population and is expected to increase to almost one in four individuals by 2030. Depression is a common obesity-related health condition and the two can be so interconnected that it is sometimes even difficult to determine which came first – feelings of depression or struggles with weight. Unfortunately, antidepressants, which are the most commonly recommended treatment for moderate to severe depression, often cause significant weight gain.

First, antidepressants are effective. In fact, 89% of individuals with depression report that medication improves their symptoms. Unfortunately, weight gain is the 3rd most commonly reported negative side effect behind withdrawal effects and sexual dysfunction. Weight gain has been reported by 65% of individuals on long-term antidepressant therapy, while only 15% of individuals on antidepressants reported weight-loss.

Furthermore, the length of antidepressant therapy seems to matter. In a patient-reported survey, those on antidepressants for more than three years had more severe side effects than patients on therapy for less than two years, with weight gain being one of main reported side effects.

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Both changes in weight depend on the length of antidepressant therapy and choice of medication. Additionally, the body’s response to medication can change over time.

For example, let us consider a common class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class includes medications that are used frequently like:

They help with depression by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a hormone in the brain that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Serotonin levels are lower in people with depression and SSRIs help increase the amount of serotonin that is available to the brain. In the short-term, this increase in serotonin helps us feel full, decreases our food intake, and decreases our impulsiveness. But in the long-term, our body seems to adjust to these changes in stimulation. After 12 months of treatment, an SSRI can sometimes lead to weight gain due to cravings for carbohydrates and other potential factors.

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Another factor that plays a role in weight while on antidepressants is whether or not you are struggling with obesity at the time the medication is initiated. For example, antidepressant medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain also affect energy balance. Individuals with obesity tend to have decreased dopamine, which is a chemical in the brain that influences mood as well as feelings of reward and motivation. Improving dopamine levels may help them lose weight. However, individuals without obesity may gain weight in response to an increase in dopamine signaling. This is a perfect example of how intertwined these two diseases can become as we try to improve one or both.

By following patients over time, we have been able to categorize antidepressants based on their risk of “drug-induced weight gain.” In the chart featured in this article, you will see that medications can be high, medium or low-risk.

When possible, it is beneficial to choose from medications that have a lower risk of weight gain. In fact, with the help of your physician or psychiatrist, you may find that you want to trying shifting to a lower-risk medication.

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In summary, there are many pieces to the puzzle when it comes to treating obesity while also taking antidepressants. The journey must be individualized. If depression and obesity are two areas that you are working on as you strive to improve your health, then it is time to map out your plan. You know your body best, so always be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any struggles you may be having with depression or weight gain. You can work together to develop a plan that meets your mental and physical needs.

Deborah Horn, DO, MPH, MFOMA, is the President of the Obesity Medicine Association and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston. She is the Medical Director for the UTHealth Center for Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Performance. Dr. Horn was also the recipient of the Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) Healthcare Provider Advocate of the Year award – an award given to a healthcare provider who is a tireless advocate for patients, the OAC and the cause of obesity.It seems like Ariel Winter has had to justify her weight loss to everyone lately. But now she's finally opening up about how (and why) she lost the weight—and it has nothing to do with wanting to be thinner.

Star, 21, shared on her Instagram Stories Tuesday that her recent weight loss is due to a switch-up in antidepressants. For years I had been on antidepressants that caused me to gain weight that I couldn't lose no matter what I did, she wrote. It was always frustrating for me because I wanted to be able to get fit and feel like the work I was doing was paying off, but it never felt that way.

Common Medications That Can Cause Weight Gain

In another post, Ariel also said she's been in therapy for six years, but went on to explain that she stayed on her first medications for so long because the process to go off of antidepressants is really long and difficult. I wasn't ready to go through it again so I just accepted feeling eh instead of trying to find something to actually feel better, she wrote.

But last year, she said she got sick of feeling eh, which sparked her quest to find a new medication. It had nothing to do with weight...I was able to find a great combination of medication that works for me.

And once she changed up her medication, she instantly saw results. [It] made me drop all of the weight I couldn't lose before by just giving me back a metabolism, she wrote.

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This definitely isn't the first time Ariel's had to address her weight (or weight loss). In July 2017, internet trolls shamed her for wearing shorts that were too small. And earlier this year in January, she took on body-shamers again when her Instagram blew up with comments about her noticeable weight loss.

I appreciate you wanting to help girls love themselves the way they are, but you are also kind of cutting someone (me) down which isn’t what I think you were trying to do? she clapped back.

Now, after her medication change and weight loss, Ariel says she's feeling better mentally ...and it's nice to have your body actually respond. Her next goal? Adding on some muscle. I want to gain a few pounds of muscle and get healthier, she wrote. Also, I want my butt back.

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Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for over 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities. She previously was on staff at

, and more. Emily is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and minored in musicology. Currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Emily enjoys instructing barre, surfing, and long walks on the beach with her miniature Dachshund, Gertrude.

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A Psychiatrist Explains Why Antidepressants Can Cause Weight Gain

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