Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While this selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can be an effective treatment of depression andanxiety symptomsfor many people, like any drug, there are potential mental and physicalZoloft side effectsthat can come with antidepressant use. A common side effect is Zoloft weight gain.Not everyone experiences sertraline weight gain. Much of the time,research showsthat body weight gain is modest or temporary. That said, it’s still important to understand the potential side effect and discuss it with your doctor before starting treatment.
Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While this selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can be an effective treatment of depression andanxiety symptomsfor many people, like any drug, there are potential mental and physicalZoloft side effectsthat can come with antidepressant use. A common side effect is Zoloft weight gain.
Not everyone experiences sertraline weight gain. Much of the time,research showsthat body weight gain is modest or temporary. That said, it’s still important to understand the potential side effect and discuss it with your doctor before starting treatment.
Does Zoloft Cause Weight Gain?Can you gain weight on Zoloft? Somestudieshave shown that around 11% of people who take antidepressants experience a weight gain of at least 5% during the first year. However, your side effects may occur at different times depending onhow long it takes for Zoloft to workin your body. Someresearch also suggeststhat other types of antidepressants might have a higher risk than Zoloft.Zoloft prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started“Zoloft can potentially cause weight gain, but it’s not a necessary side effect for everyone. It’s best to get clarity from your psychiatrist about which antidepressant is the best fit for you. You can get on another medication if you find yourself gaining weight.”–Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHCWhat other SSRIs cause weight gain?Body weight gain can be a side effect of antidepressant use beyond just Zoloft. Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that might cause weight gain include:ProzacPaxilCelexaLexaproWeight gain appears to be more likely when taking higher doses or for people taking the antidepressant drug for extended periods.
Does Zoloft Cause Weight Gain?
Can you gain weight on Zoloft? Somestudieshave shown that around 11% of people who take antidepressants experience a weight gain of at least 5% during the first year. However, your side effects may occur at different times depending onhow long it takes for Zoloft to workin your body. Someresearch also suggeststhat other types of antidepressants might have a higher risk than Zoloft.
Zoloft prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Zoloft prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Zoloft prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
“Zoloft can potentially cause weight gain, but it’s not a necessary side effect for everyone. It’s best to get clarity from your psychiatrist about which antidepressant is the best fit for you. You can get on another medication if you find yourself gaining weight.”
What other SSRIs cause weight gain?
Body weight gain can be a side effect of antidepressant use beyond just Zoloft. Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that might cause weight gain include:
Weight gain appears to be more likely when taking higher doses or for people taking the antidepressant drug for extended periods.
Why Does Zoloft Cause Weight Gain?
The exact reason why you might gain weight on Zoloft isn’t fully understood, but several theories exist.
Increased serotonin levels
Energy levels
Another possibility for Zoloft weight gain is that certain types of depression medications interfere with energy balance. For some people, antidepressant treatment may cause them to become less active and burn fewer calories than they usually would.
Hormones and metabolism
Some research suggests that long-term use of SSRI drugs may alter appetite-regulating hormones like leptin and ghrelin. More research is needed, though, as it’sunclear if this resultsin weight gain.
Sedative effect
Finally, another factor that could contribute to potential weight gain from taking Zoloft might be its sedative effect. Zoloft can make you feel drowsy or sleepy during the day. It’s plausible that this could reduce your activity level and increase your chance of gaining weight due to a lack of physical exercise.
How Can I Avoid Gaining Weight on Zoloft?If you’re concerned about Zoloft weight gain, there are steps you can take to help minimize this risk.Healthy dietMaintaining a healthy diet is key to avoiding sertraline weight gain. Eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help you stay full longer and keep your energy levels up.In addition, you should avoid processed foods high in sugar and saturated fats, as these can lead to weight gain. It’s also important to watch portion sizes; overeating any food type can cause unwanted pounds.Get moving & be activeGetting active is another great way to avoid gaining weight on Zoloft. Exercise helps burn calories and boost metabolism, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. You don’t have to join an expensive gym or buy fancy equipment; simply walking around the block or doing light stretching at home will often do the trick.Make sleep a priorityMaking sleep a priority is essential for mental health in general. Lack of sleep can lead to increased appetite due to hormones being out of balance, making it harder for people who take this antidepressant medication to maintain their current weight and prevent further gains from occurring in the future. Keep a healthy sleep routine and aim for 7-8 hours per night. You can also take short naps throughout the day.Talk to your doctor about switching medicationTalk with your doctor about switching your antidepressant treatment if necessary.“The best way to avoid weight gain due to Zoloft is to work closely with your psychiatrist. If you find yourself gaining weight, let your doctor know so you can be switched to another antidepressant.”–Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHCIf yourdepression diagnosisand treatment plan recommendmedication for depression, your doctor may be able to recommend other SSRIs that are less likely to cause weight gain.
How Can I Avoid Gaining Weight on Zoloft?
If you’re concerned about Zoloft weight gain, there are steps you can take to help minimize this risk.
Healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is key to avoiding sertraline weight gain. Eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help you stay full longer and keep your energy levels up.
In addition, you should avoid processed foods high in sugar and saturated fats, as these can lead to weight gain. It’s also important to watch portion sizes; overeating any food type can cause unwanted pounds.
Get moving & be active
Getting active is another great way to avoid gaining weight on Zoloft. Exercise helps burn calories and boost metabolism, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. You don’t have to join an expensive gym or buy fancy equipment; simply walking around the block or doing light stretching at home will often do the trick.
Make sleep a priority
Making sleep a priority is essential for mental health in general. Lack of sleep can lead to increased appetite due to hormones being out of balance, making it harder for people who take this antidepressant medication to maintain their current weight and prevent further gains from occurring in the future. Keep a healthy sleep routine and aim for 7-8 hours per night. You can also take short naps throughout the day.
Talk to your doctor about switching medication
Talk with your doctor about switching your antidepressant treatment if necessary.
“The best way to avoid weight gain due to Zoloft is to work closely with your psychiatrist. If you find yourself gaining weight, let your doctor know so you can be switched to another antidepressant.”
If yourdepression diagnosisand treatment plan recommendmedication for depression, your doctor may be able to recommend other SSRIs that are less likely to cause weight gain.
Talk to Your Doctor About Zoloft Side Effects
It’s critical for anyone considering starting an antidepressant like Zoloft to understand the risks associated with its use.
If you’re worried about Zoloft and weight gain or other side effects, share your concerns with your doctor.
Sources:
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