Various mechanisms can be the cause of weight gain while taking medication: Often, increased appetite as a side effect leads to increased calorie intake.
In addition, some active ingredients can cause dry mouth or increased thirst. Therefore, if more calorie-containing drinks are consumed, this can promote weight gain.
Furthermore, when taking some medicines, water retention can occur, which increases the weight. A direct effect of certain medications on energy metabolism can also affect weight. Often, however, the exact cause of weight gain is not clear. Luckily, there is body sculpting manchester to help you get back in shape when taking certain medications. It’s good to know what causes weight gain when taking medicines.
What medications make you fat?
Medication works differently for every person β the occurrence of side effects is individually different and also depends on the dosage. Interactions with other medications may also play a role.
Therefore, there is no list of tablets that make you fatter. Nevertheless, there are some groups of active substances in which weight gain is often observed. These include, but are not limited to:
- cortisone-like active ingredients (glucocorticoids)
- Medications for mental illness (antidepressants and antipsychotics)
- Insulin and other medications for diabetes
- Hormone preparations
- Medicines for epilepsy (anticonvulsants)
- Medications for high blood pressure such as beta-blockers
- Migraine remedies such as pizotifen and flunarizine
- antiallergic drugs (antihistamines))
- anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
- certain medications for Parkinson’s disease (dopamine agonists)
6 Tips to Prevent Weight Gain Through Medication
Weight gain can be an unpleasant side effect when taking medicines, which leads some patients to discontinue the drug independently. This can have dangerous consequences.
Therefore, if you have the impression that you are gaining weight from a medication, you should not stop taking it, but make an appointment with your specialist.
He may be able to change your medication or give you tips on what to do about weight gain. We have compiled an overview of possible countermeasures for you:
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1. Change intake time
An appetite-enhancing effect may be avoided if the drug is taken before bedtime. Ask your doctor if an evening intake would be possible.
2. Dewatering agents for edema
Some medications for high blood pressure can lead to water retention. A combination with the draining and hypotensive active ingredient hydrochlorothiazide can counteract edema. Under no circumstances, however, should you take drainage medication on your own, but discuss this with your doctor.
3. Change medication
Against many diseases, there are alternative drugs that carry a smaller risk of weight gain. Ask your doctor if another medication is right for you.
4. Sweets against dry mouth
Dry mouth as a side effect can lead to the consumption of sugary drinks. Instead, reach for sugar-free candies or chewing gum.
5. Change your diet
Even if the weight gain is caused by a drug, the usual measures for weight loss can help: A balanced, calorie-reduced diet with lots of vegetables and whole grains as well as the evening renunciation of carbohydrates can counteract weight gain.
6. Sports
Any form of exercise can help prevent weight gain. Targeted strength training also increases energy turnover at rest by building muscles.