You may have heard that it is possible to lose weight while taking some antidepressants. One such medicine is Zoloft. However, very often it happens that antidepressants affect weight gain due to malfunctions in the body or changes in hormonal levels. In any case, taking any medications without consulting a doctor is not recommended. Let’s look at the pros and cons of Zoloft, its effect on the nervous system, and possible side effects of it.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is also known as sertraline HCL, is a prescription medicine used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in adults. This medicine is also approved for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. While Zoloft can help with the psychological state of health, it is important to be aware of some of the side effects associated with the effect of this medicine on overweight.
Can you lose weight with Zoloft?
It is more likely that you will gain weight while taking Zoloft, however weight loss can also occur. You can lose weight by taking this medicine in both cases: if you burn a lot of extra calories or follow a reduced-calorie diet plan. Nausea and loss of appetite are possible side effects when taking Zoloft, which can influence losing weight as well. Similarly, a study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology in 2016 showed that taking sertraline in HCL helped monkeys avoid weight gain, insulin, and body fat. Although this study was conducted on animals, the results show that Zoloft may prevent you from extra pounds.
Overweight while taking Zoloft
It is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging Zoloft that it can cause weight gain, especially in children and adolescents. Various studies have studied the effect of Zoloft on weight gain. For example, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine says patients using sertraline were 6 pounds heavier after two years.
Who is affected by weight gain?
Not all people who take Zoloft gain weight, because everyone reacts differently to a treatment. Teenagers can experience the most significant consequences. Nevertheless, adults may experience unwanted weight gain too.
If you take Zoloft and want to lose weight, then you need to monitor calories carefully and do some exercise to burn extra calories. Since Zoloft can prevent weight loss, try a calorie-restricted diet or a low-calorie diet to control your blood sugar, and lose weight. A regular exercise program, such as high-intensity interval training three to five times a week, can help you burn calories, lose weight, or support weight loss, and provide mental health benefits.
