Will your medication affect weight?

Clinical research-based estimates

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estimated weight change
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Weight gain
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Body fat increase
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Risk level

Here’s what your result means

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Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general educational estimates. Always consult your prescribing physician or healthcare provider before making medication changes or interpreting results from population-based models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mirtazapine, paroxetine, and TCAs like amitriptyline. Bupropion is often weight-neutral.

Antidepressants may increase visceral fat even when total weight change is modest.

Minimal in first 4-8 weeks, more significant months 2-6. Often stabilizes after 6-12 months.

Regular exercise (150+ min/week), higher protein, nutrient-dense foods may help.

Sources

  1. Gafoor R et al. BMJ. 2018;361:k1951. Link
  2. Serretti A, Mandelli L. J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;71(10):1259-1272. Link
  3. Blumenthal SR et al. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(8):889-896. Link

Methodology

Uses medication-specific gain factors from clinical trials. Duration scaling: 0.5x at 1 month to 1.4x at 24 months.

Weight gain varies by antidepressant. Mirtazapine and paroxetine highest. Bupropion weight-neutral. Changes appear after 2-3 months.

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