It's well-known that medications can have side effects, but few expect weight gain among them. Certain drugs, often called 'fatteners,' can lead to unwanted pounds. As experienced health writers drawing from clinical insights, we'll explore the key culprits and their impacts.
Diabetes patients on insulin frequently experience significant weight gain, averaging 1 to 3 kilos. This is particularly striking since obesity is a primary driver of diabetes. Treatment with a weight-promoting drug can create a vicious cycle for type 2 diabetes patients. That's why experts emphasize weight loss strategies—often reversing the condition entirely.
Read also: 'Less diabetes through green leafy vegetables'
These corticosteroids, vital for managing asthma, rheumatism, MS, and Crohn's disease, can reduce satiety, leading to overeating. High doses cause distinctive fat redistribution—thickening the face, neck, and torso while sparing limbs—with gains up to 20-30 kilos in acute cases. Lower doses typically add just a few kilos.
Many women report weight gain from oral contraceptives or injections, though scientific evidence is lacking for direct causation. Sensitivity to estrogens may boost appetite indirectly as a side effect.
Over a million Dutch residents use antidepressants like Prozac (fluoxetine) or paroxetine. A U.S. study found 5% of users gained 15-18 kilos in a year, and 20% added 12 kilos. Reactions vary—some maintain weight—but increased thirst often leads to high-calorie drink consumption. Per NHG guidelines, efficacy wanes after six months, yet prolonged use is common.
Source: Santé March 2015. Text: Esmir van Wering
