Weight Management and Psychiatric Medications

I know a ton of us rely on antidepressant, antipsychotic, antianxiety, or antimanic drugs to keep us in a steady state. I also know from experience that many of these drugs can result in weight gain. Although the mechanism that causes weight gain is not clearly explained in the research we have reviewed, there is evidence that some of these drugs increase appetite and that they may also suppress metabolism. When I see my shrink is a couple of weeks, I will ask him what he thinks and report back.

If you suspect that your medications are tipping the scale, consider some of the things that we have done to counteract the impact of psych drugs on our weight.

1. Do not throw your hands up in despair and stop taking your medications. No, no, no! There are a few hacks to try first. Some adjustment in the eating and moving departments are both (a) under your control and (b) easily accomplished. Let me explain.
   
   
2. You may be hungrier than you think so eat something. Try some easy and painless changes in the snacking department. I always have roasted vegetables, hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, and fresh fruit in my refrigerator and Karen relies on a steady supply of bean salad (for those savory moments) and fruit salad (when she hankers for something sweet). For more ideas, we’ve posted a lot about eating light and eating well. See What We Eat: A Tour Through Our Kitchens and Dining Rooms and What Do We Mean by “Eat Lightly?” We are firm believers in staying nourished, comfortable, and happy.
   
   
3. A little extra movement may be just the ticket. Besides, the benefits are fantastic. This may be the simplest suggestion of all: do more of what you love to do. Whether it’s gardening, hiking, dancing, or fencing, movement feels great and really packs a wallop when it comes to your wellness. We’ve provided suggestions about how to move more over the past few months. Here, we write about the joys of exercise: Exercise Should Be Playtime for Grownups.
   
   
4. Work with your healthcare provider. I know from 30 years of experience, both as a person who takes psychiatric medication and as a counselor educator, that there are hundreds of options when it comes to medications. My psychiatrist worked with me for almost 10 years to find medications that were maximally effective with minimal side effects. This is a long, drawn out process, but oh so very worth it. If you suspect that you are on a “gainer,” let your provider know that you want to try other options. If the best solution for your mental health turns out to be one that leans toward the chubby, consult 1, 2, and 3 above. I take two medications that cause weight gain but I maintain (more or less) pretty well.

All in all, there are a few things you have under your control when it comes to maintaining a weight you are happy with. Food and exercise are the obvious ones, but managing medications, communicating with professionals effectively, and balancing all of these into your busy life are also important. I am a firm believer in the importance of psychopharmacology to my health. I think you’ll find a way to balance your needs for medication with lifestyle factors as well.