Study links common antidepressants to weight gain
Depression and anxiety affect more people than ever before, with millions taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and various hybrid courses of therapy every day. Although these drugs may work for some people (temporarily), they are not without unwanted side effects, including weight gain, decreased positive feelings and suicidal thoughts!
Although weight gain during antidepressant treatment is relatively common, the amount of weight gain varies between the first-line drugs used in most doctors' offices. The researchers set out to quantify the expected weight gain associated with the use of antidepressants and compare the differences between the main recipes. This article will examine a recent study on weight gain associated with antidepressants and its findings, and explore alternative approaches to managing depression and anxiety outside of prescription drugs.
What drives the rise of depression?
There is no shortage of stressors in today's world that can make you depressed; the combination of unstable geopolitics, inflation and various personal problems can take a heavy toll on a person's mental health. Our society is so cutthroat that we are expected to work ourselves to the bone without showing weakness, and this can easily lead to burnout and depression. However, there are other factors at play - the unnatural and highly processed diet that almost all of us participate in are key factors in the development of depression. There is a deep connection between the body's inflammatory conditions and the development of depression in all age groups. It's reasonable to look at the world around us and assume that mental health crises abound due to the state of everything, but one of the biggest contributors could be life in your body.
Antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by preventing the reabsorption (or re-storage) of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, back into neurons. This allows serotonin to remain available in the brain for longer, improving mood regulation. While the exact mechanism by which this alleviates anxiety and depression is not fully understood, the ability of SSRIs to improve serotonin signaling has shown enough efficacy in treating these conditions to warrant their widespread medical use. Along with various other side effects, some mild, some minor, weight gain is a well-known side effect of most antidepressants. The researchers of the above study evaluated the health data of more than 180,000 patients with mental illness over a 24-month period in the United States. They examined each individual's baseline weight and BMI at the time their antidepressant therapy began, at mid-12 months, and at the end. The main antidepressants, often called 'first-line' drugs, include bupropion (Wellbutrin), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), duloxetine (Cymbalta), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and venlafaxine (Effexor). ). Each of these medications has its own profile of potential side effects, but some may also provide additional benefits for comorbid mental health conditions in addition to depression. As a result, the choice of medication is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. Analysis of more than 180,000 patients showed a clear line of weight gain in the vast majority. Of those examined, Zoloft and Lexapro showed the most significant increase in body weight. The difference between each drug was not extremely large, with bupropion showing the least weight gain. The researchers, however, acknowledged that they were unable to control for medication adherence – their data only showed that patients were prescribed the medication during the 24-month follow-up, but had no way of knowing whether or not they were taking it regularly.
Research is increasingly supporting the idea that what we eat can significantly affect our mood and mental well-being. While depression is a complex condition that may not always respond to dietary changes alone, adopting a whole foods diet can play a key role in maintaining mental health. Additionally, we know that the pharmaceutical industry wants us all to believe that depression or anxiety is best treated by taking their drugs. Conversely, we would like to see more doctors giving their patients lifestyle advice to improve the quality of their physical, mental and emotional well-being. For example, consistent daily exercise offers multiple mental health benefits. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn reduces systemic inflammation. In addition, exercise has been shown to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Quality sleep is crucial for overall health, and mental well-being is particularly vulnerable to sleep disorders. Many modern health problems can be significantly improved with a combination of regular exercise, proper nutrition and adequate sleep.
Bottom line: Do everything you can to improve the quality of your sleep, starting tonight. Remember, addressing sleep, exercise, and diet is key to managing any health condition, including mental health disorders. By focusing on these areas, you are taking proactive steps towards better mental and physical well-being.
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