Medicine-Related Weight Gain
You stay active and you watch what you eat but the only movement on the scale is up. For 10 to 15 percent of people struggling with weight issues, the problem can be found in the medicine cabinet. While each person’s reaction is different to prescription drugs, it’s possible that certain medications can make you feel hungrier while others make it harder for your body to burn calories or cause you to retain extra fluid.
The problem is, in most cases, you need the medicines for a specific reason. So how do you avoid medicine-related weight gain? Let’s start with understanding the biggest culprits of this type of weight challenge.
Which Medicines Cause Weight Gain?
This list focuses on the most common medicines that cause weight gain, so if you are on a different prescription and feel it’s causing weight fluctuation, speak with your doctor.
- Medications for Depression
- Mood Stabilizers
- Diabetes Medicines
- Corticosteroids
- Drugs designed to prevent migraines and seizures
- ‘Beta Blocker’ Heart Medicines
- Allergy Relievers
If you are on any of these types of medicines and have noticed weight gain or want to prevent it, we have some tips to help.
How To Avoid Medication-Induced Weight Gain
As with many weight loss battles, one of the main ways to avoid gaining while on prescription drugs is to be aware of your eating habits. Understanding how your body and appetite change with a medicine can help you curb putting on additional weight. Try these techniques to avoid gaining weight on prescription medicines:
- Create a meal plan. Whether you work with a weight-loss coach or take guidance from your doctor, knowing which foods are best for your body will support your weight loss journey.
- Load up on fiber. Fibrous foods help naturally cleanse your body and help you feel fuller longer. Include plant foods like beans (legumes), flax seeds, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and oats in your diet to increase your daily fiber amount.
- Focus on portion control. Choose to focus on your portion sizes rather than filling your refrigerator with low-fat foods. Pre-portioned foods are a good way to help you get a visual on the appropriate portion size your body needs.
- Stay active. Keeping your body in motion is a good way to stay healthy anyway, but it’s especially important if you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight.
Medicine-related weight gain can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be impossible to overcome. Get a supportive weight loss program, focus on portion sizes and keep moving.