How do some drugs like anti-depressants cause weight gain as a side effect? My doctor told me, even if I’m not increasing my calorie consumption, i still may gain weight. How does that work?

Question

How do some drugs like anti-depressants cause weight gain as a side effect? My doctor told me, even if I’m not increasing my calorie consumption, i still may gain weight. How does that work?

In: 1

Answer 1

Weight gain is a biologic process, designed to protect you from times of low food supply. It’s controlled by complex chemical pathways that regulate your metabolism, how much energy is made available to power your muscles and how much is stored for later. Some medications upset that balance, giving symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.