Zoloft & Weight Loss
Possible side effects of antidepressants are weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Knowledge about your medication and your risk factors will ensure you are equipped to reach your long-term weight goals, no matter what.
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The Facts
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The antidepressant Zoloft, the brand name for Sertaline, is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). According to the manufacturer's website (zoloft.com), Zoloft is not likely to cause weight gain. While this may be the case, medication affects everyone differently.
Effects
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According to the Mayo Clinic, the relationship between typical weight gain and SSRI medications is not clear. There may be a correlation between individuals who take Zoloft and gain weight or experience difficulty in losing weight. However, other contributing factors, such as depression, slow metabolism, dieting habits, stress and alcohol consumption, may be to blame for your weight issues.
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Considerations
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When beginning Zoloft, carefully monitor your weight for the first two weeks. If there is considerable change, you may be more likely to experience significant weight gain over time. If you do not see noticeable fluctuations in your weight in the first month, you may be able to tolerate the medication.
Prevention/Solution
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Whether you are new to Zoloft or have been on it for awhile, a careful diet and getting plenty of exercise is essential to reaching your goals. If you have been prescribed Zoloft for depression, you may begin to feel better, which for some leads to eating more. Keep a food diary and record your daily intake along with your weight. Don't weigh yourself every day. Pick a day and time of the week and weigh yourself at that appointed time; don't give into the temptation of weighing in every morning. This will only frustrate you.
Watch your alcohol and carbohydrate consumption. Make sure you have plenty of fiber in your diet. Any exercise routine is better than nothing at all, but cardio is most effective in reducing overall body mass.
Warning
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Speak with your physician if you are taking Zoloft and experience any serious side effects, including weight gain.
The Mayo Clinic also gives this warning, "Sertraline may cause some people to be agitated, irritable or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away."
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