Why Do People With Clinical Depression Gain Weight?

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By Rena Sherwood
eHow Contributing Writer

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Clinical depression can cause some people to make unhealthy food choices.

Clinical depression is also known as unipolar or major depression. But no matter what it's called, a common symptom is weight change. Although some people lose weight, most people with clinical depression gain weight.

Causes

Causes of weight gain in people with clinical depression include comfort eating, reduction of exercise because of fatigue and chronic pain, and side effects from antidepressants.

Medication

According to Psychology Today, antidepressants commonly cause people to gain weight, especially Lexapro (escitalpram), Paxil (paroxetine) and Marplan (isocarboxazid).

Significance

The National Alliance on Mental Health states that many antidepressants can cause both an increase in appetite and drowsiness. This combination may make a person eat more calories but burn fewer calories.

Prevention

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no way of testing if an antidepressant will give a particular person extra pounds. People on antidepressants need to monitor their weight and begin dieting and exercising throughout treatment.