Many people, especially Reddit users, wonder if Zoloft, also known as sertraline, causes weight gain or weight loss. Well, it belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. In fact, weight gain is one of the common side effects of it, especially when taken for an extended period of time. But anecdotal evidence suggests that the popular FDA-approved antidepressant medication also causes weight loss in some patients.
Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is a type of antidepressant known as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, or SSRI. Doctors prescribe it to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Additionally, Zoloft, like other SSRIs causes weight gain in some people. Knowing that this complication is possible can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to avoid it or deal with it effectively if it occurs.
Zoloft and other medications in its class treat depression and anxiety by preventing the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that aids in the transmission of messages between brain cells. Serotonin levels in the brain are thought to be low in people who suffer from common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. By preventing serotonin reabsorption, the neurotransmitter's levels rise, which is thought to improve mood.
Although most antidepressants are associated with weight gain, anecdotal evidence suggests that Zoloft, a popular FDA-approved antidepressant medication, may cause weight loss in some patients as well. As a result, many people, especially Reddit users, are looking up whether Zoloft causes weight gain or loss on the internet. Does Zoloft affect weight? Let's find out what's going on.
Previously, we touched on the weight gain stories of Abbie Cornish and Keely Shaye Smith. Likewise, we also touched on the weight loss efforts of Katie Maloney and James Corden.
Some Reports Suggest Zoloft Causes Weight Gain While Others Suggest It Also Causes Weight Loss: As Reddit Users Wanted to Know, Here Are the Side Effects of This Drug!
Weight gain is most commonly associated with antidepressants, including Zoloft. Anecdotal evidence suggests, however, that it may be associated with weight loss in some situations. One study discovered that patients taking Zoloft for depression who were overweight lost between 0.42 and 1.06 pounds per week; one participant in the study lost 69 pounds in 36 weeks.
However, FDA-approved Zoloft is more commonly associated with short-term weight loss than long-term weight loss. Most people take Zoloft for a long time to treat depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, and weight loss can begin to slow over time. In fact, weight gain is also a common side effect of Zoloft, especially when taken for an extended period of time.
When compared to other antidepressants, Zoloft has been shown in some studies to be more likely to cause weight gain. When compared to Prozac patients, its users gained an average of 5.9 pounds over the course of two years, which is more than the amount of weight gained by Prozac patients. It is thought that Zoloft causes weight loss because some patients experience short-term appetite suppression when they first start taking the drug. Patients should not expect to continue losing weight if they take the medication for an extended period of time, as the drug's most common side effect is moderate weight gain.
Weight loss is frequently preceded by loss of appetite, nausea while eating, and disinterest in food preparation and consumption. Weight loss in Zoloft patients is usually caused by a reduction in caloric intake and, on occasion, an increase in physical activity as a result of reduced depressive symptoms. Weight gain in Zoloft users is commonly associated with increased appetite, binge eating, food cravings, and food preoccupation. Many people gain weight as a result of poor dietary choices, such as eating foods high in saturated fats and sugars.
Most people's weight changes of 5-10 pounds are unlikely to cause serious health problems. Rapid weight gain or loss, on the other hand, can have negative health consequences. The British National Health Service warns that people who are underweight are more likely to have lowered immunity, low energy levels, and nutritional deficiencies. People who are underweight may experience irregular menstrual cycles and decreased fertility. In the United States, overweight and obesity are widespread. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, people who are overweight are more likely to develop heart disease, type II diabetes, sleep apnea, and several types of cancer.
In addition, the best way to avoid excessive weight gain or loss while taking Zoloft is to follow a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis. A healthy diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy products. Strength-training exercises may help patients who are underweight build muscle mass, whereas regular aerobic exercise such as running or cycling can help those who are overweight burn calories.
Not all Zoloft patients experience weight gain or other side effects. Weight gain and loss are usually most noticeable at the start of treatment and then level off after a few months. If the weight changes are severe or persistent, your doctor may adjust the medication dose or prescribe another treatment.
Like other medications in its class, Zoloft is associated with a long list of side effects. Zoloft side effects are classified into two types: common adverse effects and rare but serious side effects. Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, tiredness, upset stomach, sexual dysfunction including low libido, delayed or inability to orgasm, erectile dysfunction in men, weight gain, drowsiness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, and dry mouth are all common side effects of Zoloft.
Angle-closure, glaucoma, serotonin syndrome (shivering, severe muscle tightness, confusion, fever, and other symptoms), and low sodium blood levels (weakness, difficulty concentrating, and remembering) are all rare but serious side effects of Zoloft. If you experience any of the aforementioned serious Zoloft side effects while taking the medication, seek emergency medical attention.
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