Lexapro is a medication that is used to treat depression and anxiety. Like all medications, it has the potential to cause side effects. One of the most common side effects of Lexapro is weight gain. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of Lexapro weight gain, how to prevent it, and what you can do if you have already gained weight while taking this medication.
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What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, in the brain. Lexapro is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
While Lexapro is generally considered to be a safe and effective medication, it can cause side effects. Weight gain is a common side effect of Lexapro. In fact, weight gain is listed as a possible side effect in the prescribing information for this medication.
Causes Of Lexapro Weight Gain
There are a few different mechanisms that have been proposed to explain how Lexapro may cause weight gain. They are listed below:
Appetite regulation
Lexapro may cause changes in appetite that lead to weight gain. Some people may experience an increase in appetite when they start taking Lexapro, while others may have a decrease in appetite. When Lexapro changes your appetite, it can lead to weight gain if you eat more than you did before starting the medication or if you do not burn off the extra calories through exercise.
Water retention
Another possible explanation for Lexapro weight gain is water retention. Some people may retain water when they start taking Lexapro. This can lead to weight gain, as well as bloating and swelling. When water retention is the cause of weight gain, you may notice that your clothes feel tighter or that you have a puffy face.
Changes in metabolism
Lexapro may also cause changes in metabolism that lead to weight gain. Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. A slow metabolism can lead to weight gain because your body will store more of the calories you eat as fat. This side effect is more common in people who are overweight or obese when they start taking Lexapro.
Hormone changes
Hormone changes have also been proposed as a mechanism for Lexapro weight gain. This is because SSRIs can cause a decrease in the level of the hormone leptin. Leptin is a hormone that helps to regulate appetite and metabolism. A decrease in leptin can lead to an increase in appetite and a slow down in metabolism, both of which can cause weight gain.
These are the most likely explanations for Lexapro weight gain. It is important to remember that not everyone who takes this medication will experience weight gain. In fact, some people may even lose weight when they start taking Lexapro.
How To Prevent Lexapro Weight Gain?
There are a few things you can do to prevent Lexapro weight gain. They are:
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important if you are taking a medication that can cause weight gain. Eating a healthy diet will help to ensure that you do not consume more calories than your body needs. It is also important to eat a balanced diet that includes all the major food groups. This will help to prevent nutrient deficiencies that can lead to weight gain.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is another important way to prevent Lexapro weight gain. It can help to burn off the extra calories that you may be consuming. It can also help to increase your metabolism. When your metabolism is increased, you will burn more calories even when you are at rest. That is why it is important to make exercise a part of your daily routine.
Monitor your weight
Monitoring your weight is also important. This will help you to catch any weight gain early so that you can take steps to prevent it. You should weigh yourself at least once a week. It is best to weigh yourself at the same time of day and on the same day of the week for accurate results. The most appropriate time to weigh yourself is in the morning after you have used the restroom and before you have eaten or exercised.
Take Lexapro at night
Taking Lexapro at night may also help to prevent weight gain. This is because the medication will have less time to work during the day when you are awake and active. Taking it at night will also help to reduce any side effects that you may experience, such as drowsiness or fatigue. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best time for you to take Lexapro for your individual needs.
Talk to your doctor
If you are concerned about Lexapro weight gain, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication that does not have this side effect. They may also be able to offer suggestions on how to prevent weight gain. If you are already taking Lexapro and have noticed weight gain, talk to your doctor about it. They can help you to determine the cause and make a plan to address it.
These are some things that you can do to prevent or address Lexapro weight gain. Try these tips and talk to your doctor if you are still concerned. With a little effort, you can minimize the risk of weight gain from Lexapro.
What To Do After Gaining Lexapro Weight?
If you have already started to gain weight while taking Lexapro, there are a few things that you can do.
Cut back on calories
The first thing you can do is to cut back on the number of calories you are consuming. This may mean eating smaller meals or cutting out snacks. You should also make sure that you are eating healthy foods that are low in calories. Try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar as they can cause you to gain weight. It’s better to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day than to skip meals for weight loss.
Exercise more
Exercising more is also a good way to offset Lexapro’s weight gain. Exercise can help to burn off the extra calories that you are consuming. It can also help to increase your metabolism. When your metabolism is increased, you will burn more calories even when you are at rest. That is why it is important to make exercise a part of your daily routine. It’s best to aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Include a mix of cardio and strength training for the best results. You can simply go for a walk, jog, or bike ride. Or you can try a more structured workout like an aerobics class, swimming, or weightlifting.
Include protein in your diet
Including protein in your diet is also important. Protein can help to boost metabolism and to reduce hunger. It can also help to build muscle, which can help to offset the weight gain. Some good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, beans, and tofu. Try to include protein at every meal. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 20-30 grams of protein per meal. This will help to keep you full and to prevent overeating. You will also be less likely to snack on unhealthy foods if you are getting enough protein.
Reduce stress
Reducing stress is also important. Stress can lead to weight gain by causing you to eat more. It can also cause your body to hold onto fat. Try to find ways to relax and reduce the amount of stress in your life. When you are feeling stressed, try to take a few deep breaths and focus on something positive. You can also try yoga or meditation to help you relax. It’s important to find a way to manage your stress so that it doesn’t lead to weight gain. Even if you have gained some weight from taking Lexapro, reducing stress can help you to offset the weight gain and prevent further gain.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is also important. When you are well-rested, your body is better able to regulate metabolism and appetite. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a sleep aid that can help you to get the rest you need. After gaining weight from Lexapro, getting enough sleep is important to help you offset the weight gain and prevent further gain. So, you need to find ways to sleep better.
Stay motivated
Staying motivated can be difficult when you are trying to lose weight. However, it is important to keep your goals in mind and to remind yourself that you can achieve them. Try to find a support group or talk to a friend or family member who is also trying to lose weight. Having someone to talk to can make the process easier. It can also help to set small goals and to celebrate when you reach them. For example, you might set a goal to lose five pounds in a month. Once you reach that goal, you can celebrate by buying yourself a new pair of shoes or taking a day off from dieting.
These are just a few tips to help you offset weight gain from Lexapro. If you are concerned about weight gain, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication that does not cause weight gain. Or they may be able to adjust your dosage of Lexapro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lexapro weight gain is a real phenomenon that you need to be aware of if you are prescribed this medication. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought to be related to the increased appetite and cravings for carbohydrates that many people experience on Lexapro. If you are concerned about gaining weight on Lexapro, talk to your doctor about other options. There are many different antidepressants out there, so there is a good chance that you can find one that works well for you without causing weight gain.
Make sure you stay active and eat a healthy diet while taking Lexapro, as this can help offset any weight gain. If you do start to gain weight, don’t be too hard on yourself—the most important thing is that you are getting the treatment you need to feel better.
If you need help losing weight, please contact Mantra Care. Our team of experts can help you develop a healthy weight loss program that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. You can also get in touch with our nutrition experts and expert dietitians through our online nutrition counseling, who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your fitness goals.
