Could antidepressants influence our weight? A recent study provides surprising answers. Researchers have discovered a link between their use and significant weight gain.
A study conducted by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute reveals that people taking antidepressants tend to gain more weight than those who do not. This increase is independent of their diet, physical activity, or socioeconomic status.
The study, published in
Frontiers in Psychiatry, followed 3,127 adults, including 1,700 women, with an average age of 55. Approximately 16.4% of participants reported taking antidepressants, with variations in the duration of their use. All participants gained weight, but those on antidepressants showed a more marked increase.
Dr. Camille Lassale, a researcher at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, explains that all individuals taking antidepressants have a higher probability of gaining weight and developing obesity. This risk is even greater for those who use these medications continuously.
The study also took into account the well-known bidirectional relationship between depression and obesity, as well as other associated factors. However, the link between antidepressant use and weight gain remained independent of age, sex, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and the presence or absence of depressive symptoms.
Gabriela Lugon, a researcher at Hospital del Mar, emphasizes the importance of considering this association when prescribing antidepressants and monitoring weight changes accordingly. She insists that the positive effects of antidepressants should not overshadow this potential side effect.
Dr. Víctor Pérez, head of the psychiatry department at Hospital del Mar, recalls that antidepressants are very effective in treating some of the most common mental illnesses. However, their effect on weight is not universal, although some medications, such as mirtazapine and paroxetine, can cause significant weight gain.
Depression affects 280 million people worldwide and is the most prevalent mental disorder, affecting twice as many women as men. Weight gain is one of the main reasons why people discontinue their treatment. Meanwhile, 650 million people worldwide suffer from obesity, highlighting the strong bidirectional relationship between these two conditions.
Why do antidepressants cause weight gain?
Antidepressants can influence metabolism and appetite, leading to weight gain. Some medications increase appetite or alter the way the body stores fat. Additionally, depression itself can affect eating habits and physical activity, exacerbating this effect.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter targeted by many antidepressants, plays a key role in regulating appetite and weight. Medications that increase serotonin levels can therefore indirectly influence weight gain.
It is important to note that not all antidepressants have the same effect on weight. Some, like fluoxetine, may initially cause weight loss, while others, like mirtazapine, are more likely to cause weight gain.
How are depression and obesity linked?
Depression and obesity share a bidirectional relationship. People suffering from depression may have difficulty maintaining regular physical activity and adopting a healthy diet, which can lead to weight gain.
Conversely, obesity can increase the risk of developing depression, partly due to social stigma and health problems associated with obesity. This relationship can create a vicious cycle where depression and obesity worsen each other.
Treatments for depression, including antidepressants, should therefore be chosen carefully, taking into account their potential impact on weight and metabolic health.