Study Reveals How Common Antidepressant Medications Can Lead To Weight Gain
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th July 2024
A recent comprehensive study comparing weight gain among users of various first-line antidepressants has highlighted bupropion as offering a lower risk of significant weight gain compared to sertraline, one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.
Antidepressants are widely used in the United States, with approximately 14% of adults relying on them. However, weight gain often emerges as a challenging side effect that can impact long-term health outcomes and adherence to treatment.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed electronic health records from eight health systems across the US. It involved data from 183,118 adults aged 18-80 who were new users of antidepressants.
Lead author Joshua Petimar, assistant professor of population medicine, emphasized the significance of the study’s real-world evidence in helping patients and clinicians navigate antidepressant choices. He noted that while randomized control trials are typically used to compare medication effects, their emulation in this study provided valuable insights into the anticipated weight changes associated with different antidepressants.
The research specifically examined weight changes over 6, 12, and 24 months after initiating treatment with eight common antidepressants: sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.
Results indicated that bupropion users experienced the least amount of weight gain compared to users of other antidepressants. Notably, those taking bupropion were 15-20% less likely to gain a clinically significant amount of weight (defined as a 5% or more increase in body weight) compared to users of sertraline.
The study also highlighted variations within antidepressant classes. For instance, among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), escitalopram and paroxetine were associated with a higher risk of significant weight gain compared to sertraline within the first six months of treatment.
Senior author Jason Block, an associate professor of population medicine, underscored the importance of considering side effects like weight gain when prescribing antidepressants. He noted that such considerations often influence treatment decisions, as weight gain can deter patients from continuing their medication regimen.
The findings contribute valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers in selecting antidepressants that minimize potential adverse effects on weight. This knowledge can potentially enhance treatment adherence and improve overall health outcomes for individuals managing depression and related disorders.
As the prevalence of antidepressant use continues to rise, studies like this serve a critical role in guiding evidence-based clinical decisions and enhancing patient care strategies. They underscore the importance of personalized medicine approaches that take into account both efficacy and tolerability when choosing antidepressant therapies.
