One of the side effects that people fear most when using psychiatric medication is weight gain.
But it is important to understand that this effect is not universal, that is, it varies from person to person. Often the same drug can make some people gain weight, while in others there is no interference with weight.
In addition, some personal factors such as genetics or lifestyle can also contribute to this weight gain.
Read on and better understand the relationship between weight gain and psychiatric medication.
Could I have gained weight while using psychiatric medications?
It is common to say that using psychiatric medications causes a series of side effects, including weight gain.
However, weight gain should not always be associated exclusively with treatment with psychiatric medications. Mainly because there are several other factors that contribute to this gain, such as:
Genetic predisposition to weight gain
Some people find it easier to gain weight than others because of hormones or even metabolism.
Sedentary lifestyle
Not exercising regularly can contribute to weight gain, even if you are not on psychiatric medications. Therefore, sedentary people are more predisposed to weight gain with treatment.
Eating habits
Food is crucial to maintaining a healthy body weight. High consumption of sugars, carbohydrates, fats or the simple habits of going long hours without eating or “nibbling” snacks can contribute to weight gain.
the disorder
There are certain psychiatric disorders that cause weight gain. Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety Disorders and some Eating Disorders are some examples.
What to do in this case?
As you can see, there are several individual aspects that can lead to weight gain during psychiatric treatments. And not necessarily the use of medications.
There are even psychiatric medications that can cause weight gain, especially when used long-term. But this should never be a reason to make the treatment unfeasible.
Understand that the focus should never be on a possible side effect, but on the therapeutic benefits that the medication offers. Only in this way will it be possible to guarantee an effective treatment.
The best way to circumvent possible weight gain with psychiatric medications is to control weight in parallel with treatment.
If there is weight gain while using medication, share your frustrations and doubts with your psychiatrist. Make it clear what is doing you good or not, talk and resolve these issues with dialogue.
Try to adopt habits that help mitigate the effects of treatment
Improve your lifestyle, eating habits and exercise routines. Take care of these areas a little more and understand your body, but be sure to take care of your mind.
In no way interrupt the treatment. Especially because weight gain with psychiatric medications, when it happens, is mostly transient. That is, after a few months this gain stabilizes and the patient begins to return to their original weight.
So don't give up before trying a treatment that can make a big difference in your disorder. Furthermore:
⦁ Do not consider the opinions of others, usually these people were dissatisfied with the medication or did not tolerate it. Which may not be your case.
⦁ Remember that you are unique and each case is different.
⦁ Always talk to your doctor, he will listen to you, follow up and find the best alternatives in your treatment.
⦁ Do your part, keep good habits, eat well, exercise.
Think that your mind and body need to be healthy and in balance. And only with the proper treatment will this be fully possible.
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