Side effects: Weight gain from medication? Don't stop taking it alone
The active ingredients, whose possible side effects can cause patients to gain several kilos, come from very different drug groups. / © Getty Images/Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography
Eating and exercising as usual, but suddenly the number on the scale goes up? In some cases, medications can lead to weight gain, according to the Hesse Chamber of Pharmacists. Certain active ingredients can stimulate the appetite, affect the metabolism and hormonal system, make you physically sluggish, or lead to fluid retention. If the new pounds can't be explained otherwise, it's worth consulting a doctor. Possible signs that you're gaining weight due to medication include a constant appetite, a constant weight despite improved eating and lifestyle habits, and taking a new medication in the last few weeks.
Anyone who is bothered by the extra pounds and suspects a connection with their medication should definitely not discontinue treatment on their own, warns the LAK. This could jeopardize the success of the treatment. Instead, they should consult a doctor to determine what options are available. The treating physician can, for example, check whether there is an alternative medication that doesn't affect weight or can even reduce it. But even if that's not possible, a healthier lifestyle can counteract weight gain.
Ideally, patients should discuss the risk of weight gain with their doctor before they are prescribed a new medication, the Chamber advises. In addition to impacting self-esteem, obesity can lead to chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or gout and increases the risk of accidents. Regular check-ups can help detect medication-related excess weight early on. Minimizing weight gain due to medication is therefore not a "cosmetic problem" but crucial for treatment success.
"Certain active ingredients can stimulate appetite, affect metabolism and the hormonal system, promote physical sluggishness, or cause fluid retention," explains LAK President Dr. Christian Ude. The following medications are known to cause weight gain:
- various types of psychotropic drugs, for example the antipsychotics olanzapine and clozapine
- Antiepileptics such as valproic acid and gabapentin
- some antidiabetics, such as insulin and older sulfonylureas such as tolbutamide
- some beta-blockers, especially atenolol, propranolol and metoprolol at the beginning of therapy
- Cortisone
- Hormones, such as hormone therapy for prostate cancer
- HIV therapeutics, in particular the integrase inhibitor bictegravir or the drug combinations abacavir/lamivudine and tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine
It is important to distinguish between apparent weight gain and water retention in the body, for example, due to hormonal contraceptives, the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, or the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine. These usually disappear once the medication is discontinued.
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