Back to Answers

Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it?

Weight gain is a possible side effect of nearly all antidepressants. However, each person responds to antidepressants differently. Some people gain weight when taking a certain antidepressant, but others don’t.

In general, some antidepressants seem more likely to cause weight gain than do others. These include:

While some people gain weight after starting an antidepressant, the antidepressant isn’t always a direct cause. Many factors can be part of weight gain during antidepressant therapy. For example:

If you gain weight after starting an antidepressant, talk about the medicine’s benefits and side effects with your doctor or other healthcare professional. If you’re enjoying an improved mood due to the medicine, the benefits may outweigh the side effect of weight gain. Think about managing your weight through changes to your diet or level of physical activity. Talk with your healthcare professional about your diet and exercise habits. This can help you decide on your goals and make a plan for what you need to do to reach them.

You also can ask your healthcare professional about medicine changes that could help. Changing the dose of your current antidepressant, switching to a different antidepressant or adding a medicine may be an option. Talk about the pros and cons before making such a decision.

© 1998-2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.

We Make Health Possible

As East Central Indiana’s population grows, we’re putting health care where people need it most. Besides Hancock Regional Hospital, ranked as one of the nation’s safest by the Lown Hospital Index, our network includes more than 30 other locations near your home or work.

Learn More about Hancock