Tropical Weight Loss
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Does Prozac make you gain weight or lose weight?

What medications cause weight gain? Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants , and mood stabilizers are common drugs that have the most potential to increase weight gain. All 12 of the leading antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro), make gaining weight more likely.

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Antidepressants and steroids like prednisone often lead to extra pounds. Share on Pinterest People living with issues like autoimmune diseases, from Crohn’s to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or mood disorders like depression have powerfully effective medications out there to help minimize or eliminate their symptoms so that they can live comfortably. Yet some of the common drugs for these issues — like prednisone and other corticosteroids, and paroxetine (Paxil) and other antidepressants — have less-than-desirable side effects. One major side effect of these drugs is weight gain. And while you should go easy on yourself — you’re battling an illness, after all — it can be a frustrating adverse effect. Read on to find out the best ways to lose unwanted pounds brought on by medication you need. Why do some drugs make putting on extra pounds more likely? Drugs like corticosteroids alter the body’s electrolyte and water balances, as well as metabolism. “Drugs like steroids decrease the body’s flushing out of sodium,” explains Cabrero. Many people taking steroids report increased fat in the abdomen, face, and neck. Even if you can control the steroid-driven weight gain, it’s possible to look heavier because of redistributed fat. Antidepressant-induced weight gain is tied to appetite changes. “With medications for depression, increases in appetite occur. Generally, then, anything becomes a little bit more appetizing — and our cravings usually don’t fall under fruits and vegetables,” Cabrero points out. How to control weight gain caused by medication If you want to lose a few extra pounds that you’ve put on since taking a weight gain-inducing medication, you’re already on the right track. Armed with that knowledge that gaining weight is a potential side effect, you can make more conscious choices when it comes to meals and exercise. “If you know that these medications have the potential side effect of weight gain, you can take the appropriate steps to be prepared,” says Cabrero. Here are seven ways she recommends you take off — or fight off — unwanted pounds. 1. Make conscious choices about sodium Avoiding too much sodium in your diet is smart for anyone looking to eat healthier. But patients on steroids or antidepressants might want to consider paying extra close attention. That means avoiding processed foods, canned foods, and fast foods, since they’re often packed with sodium. “Eight percent of our sodium intake comes from these foods,” says Cabrero. “The general population in the U.S. has 3,300 to 3,500 mg of sodium per day, when it should fall more around 2,300 mg. Reduce these foods that have naturally a ton of sodium.” Cabrero recommends you learn how to read nutritional labels in order to understand what’s in your food. To curb weight, use the same strategies you’d use to

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control weight with or without the added effects of medication. Choose

low-calorie foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, eat fiber-rich and

slow-to-digest complex carbohydrates, and drink lots of water. People taking antidepressants should also be aware of hyponatremia, which is low sodium in the blood. This is especially important in the first 28 days of starting antidepressants, as low sodium levels can lead to more severe health problems. If you’ve been newly prescribed an antidepressant, your doctor should monitor you for signs of hyponatremia, including: dizziness

nausea

lethargy

confusion

cramps

seizure Your doctor can help you avoid hyponatremia.

2. Increase potassium in your diet Eating a potassium-rich diet is great for people who are looking to lose weight gained because of medication — potassium flushes out sodium. And a potassium-rich diet is linked to other health benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, protection against stroke, and osteoporosis prevention. Potassium-rich foods include: bananas

sweet potatoes

avocados

coconut water

spinach

black beans

edamame

potatoes

beets

3. Ask your doctor about your options Managing your condition is a priority, so there may not yet be any options that cause little to no weight gain. Still, ask your doctor if there are any alternative medications or treatments that would maintain your health without the extra pounds. For people on steroids, ask if going on the shortest, most effective dose is a possibility. If you’re taking antidepressants, bupropion (Wellbutrin) may be less likely to cause weight gain. 4. Eat small, frequent meals Your appetite can increase while taking specific medications, so you may be tempted to eat more. Instead of having three massive meals throughout the day, breaking up your food into smaller, more frequent meals can make you feel like you’re consuming more calories because you have little time between snacks to be hungry. It’s recommended to stave off hunger by eating six small meals a day versus

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three large ones. Cabrero suggests you try to integrate nonstarchy veggies, or what she calls “volume-rich foods,” into your diet. “They’re nutritious and don’t have a lot of calories,” says Cabrero. Experiment beyond cut-up carrots: try veggie soups and salads. 5. Stay active Staying active is important for overall health as well as weight loss or maintenance. Depending on your level of health or current symptoms, you may want to consult your doctor first. “Depending on what other symptoms are going on, physical activity is something to be sure to do,” says Cabrero. “You might not be as active as you were before, but light yoga, walking, or something along those lines helps to keep you mobilized and improves overall health.” 6. Try intermittent fasting For people who have come off medication, intermittent fasting can be an effective way to lose weight, provided it’s recommended by your doctors. “I usually suggest a gut rest. This is a 12-hour window when you don’t eat, which should start about 2 to 3 hours before bed,” says Cabrero. “A lot of times after dinner we end up snacking on foods that are not nutritious, nor are even related to hunger.”

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