Preventing Weight Gain on Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers including antidepressants can cause weight gain. However, there is hope for this side effect. Following are ways to lose weight and prevent weight gain on mood stabilizers.
Causes of Weight Gain on Mood Stabilizers
There are several theories as to why patients gain weight on mood stabilizers. Metabolism may be affected, cravings for carbohydrates may start or just feeling better after being on medication can cause patients to eat more and gain weight.
Help for Metabolism Changes
If you aren't eating any more or exercising less than when you began taking medication, your metabolism may have slowed down due to taking mood stabilizers or antidepressants. You will need to reduce the number of calories you take in and increase the number of calories you burn with exercise. Be careful to eat a balanced diet and get enough protein and healthy carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate Cravings while on Mood Stabilizers
I didn't feel like I was eating any more when I began medication, but I did crave more carbohydrates. If you find yourself craving foods high in carbohydrates, try switching to whole grains. Foods made with whole grains are just as satisfying and will be less likely to cause weight gain. Also, if you increase your food intake be sure to increase your activity as well to prevent weight gain.
Feeling Better Can Cause You to Eat More
When depressed, many patients eat less than they would if they felt better. Taking mood stabilizers or antidepressants will help you feel better and this may cause you to regain a joy in eating. If you eat more but don't increase your activity to match, you will find that you gain weight.
Preventing Weight Gain on Mood Stabilizers
When beginning any kind of mood medication, take note of your starting weight. Keep a food diary of all the food and drink you consume in a day so that you can see if you are actually eating more or if your metabolism is being affected by your mood stabilizer.
If you are eating more, try to be sure to eat healthier foods and increase your activity level to match.
If you find you aren't eating any more than you were prior to beginning medication, increasing your activity can help to boost your metabolism.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT REPLACE THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN. SEE YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BEGINNING ANY WEIGHT LOSS OR EXERCISE PROGRAM.
FURTHER READING:
Judith Wurtman, PhD; Reversing Antidepressant Weight Gain; Psychology Today
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-antidepressant-diet/201007/reversing-antidepressant-weight-gain
Published by Jolynne M Hudnell
Jolynne is a part-time freelance writer and independently-published poet. Jolynne has knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. Jolynne enjoys singing and writing poetry. Her published work in... View profile
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