Eli5: If gaining weight is simply the result of calories in and out, then why does taking certain medications (birth control, anti-depressants) commonly lead to weight gain?

Question

Eli5: If gaining weight is simply the result of calories in and out, then why does taking certain medications (birth control, anti-depressants) commonly lead to weight gain?

In: Biology

Answer 1

As someone who gained… way too much weight… with COVID anti-depressants; they screw with your pleasure/reward system. So when eating a spoonful of Ben and Jerry’s used to give you a shot of dopamine, suddenly you’re binging a whole pint and not getting that reward. Multiply that by 6 months and suddenly your pants don’t fit.