The question “will taking specific types of medication affect my weight?” has frequently appeared within many online health related circles and it is a good idea to address this point in greater detail. After all, appreciating what variables might be influencing your body mass index is important if you hope to make informed decisions.
What do the experts at Spatz3 have to say? Let’s begin by examining the relationship between prescription medications and weight gain. It will then be easier to list some potential options that you may have at your disposal.
Why are Some Medications Related to Weight Gain?
It is first crucial to note that not all types of medication will lead to an increase in body mass index. Some may actually cause you to lose weight over time (such as those which suppress the appetite as a side effect). Having said this, there are several reasons why medications may cause your weight to fluctuate.
One of these involves the effect that specific substances may have upon your metabolism. In the event that they cause your basal metabolic rate to decrease, your body will find it more difficult to burn off (metabolize) excess calories. As a result, it can become much easier to gain weight even if your diet has not changed.
There can also be times when medications cause your body to retain water. While this water weight tends to be temporary in nature, it may still be noticeable. Other causes may include how chemicals impact the levels of glucose within your bloodstream or instances when a medication increases the production of a hormone known as cortisol; once again leading to unexpected weight gain.
A Look at Some Common Medications that Cause Weight Gain
From a general perspective, medications that can cause weight gain as a side effect can be grouped into five discrete categories:
- Drugs to treat diabetes.
- Antidepressants.
- Beta blockers.
- Migraine medications.
- Corticosteroids (either in pill or topical form).
It should still be noted that the body has a unique ability to adapt to the effects of these and similar medications. In other words, some users may experience a significant weight gain in the beginning (perhaps as much as ten pounds in a week or less) only to realize that these effects tend to become less severe over time.
Is Taking Medication Every Day Bad for Your Liver?
It is only logical to briefly discuss the potential effects of some medications upon the liver before moving on. Once again, not all prescription drugs are dangerous and some may even be used to augment liver function. However, there can be times when the liver has difficulty breaking down the core constituents of certain chemicals. This may cause damage over time and lead to conditions such as cirrhosis or liver disease.
Thankfully, your doctor will proactively monitor how your body responds to any prescribed medications. This could include a series of blood tests on occasion to ensure that your liver is functioning as it should. In the event that a problem is detected, it may be possible to switch to a different variant of the medication that you are currently taking.
If it Has Been Found that Medication Will Affect My Weight, Can I Counteract this Situation?
The first step involves discussing your options with your primary care physician. As mentioned above, he or she may be able to suggest alternatives that will not impact your metabolism to such an extent.
The second strategy involves enacting positive lifestyle changes. Here are some tried-and-tested suggestions:
- Always make it a point to get plenty of sleep.
- Remain hydrated throughout the day.
- Incorporate regular exercise sessions in accordance with your physical abilities.
- Monitor your caloric intake and embrace a healthy diet.
- Avoid the temptation to consume unhealthy snacks.
Additionally, one of the many reasons why a growing number of individuals have chosen to employ the benefits associated with the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon involves the ability of this device to limit their intake of calories. As a result, they are often able to reduce their body mass index over time.
It is also wise to use the phrase “how does medication affect my weight” as an online search term. A wealth of information is only a few clicks away.
