Weight gain and changes to appetite can be a symptom of depression as well as a side effect of some antidepressants. Members on MyDepressionTeam have a wide range of experiences with gaining weight.

Weight gain as a result of medications varies from person to person. The same medication can cause one person to put on weight but not affect another. “I took Zoloft for a year and didn't notice any weight gain,” one member commented. Another had the opposite experience: “I have gained over two stone (28 pounds) since taking Zoloft.”

Weight gain from medication causes emotional distress for some members of MyDepressionTeam. “I've been on different antidepressants for years. All of them have caused me to put on weight, which causes more depression and not liking myself,” a member wrote.

Members encourage each other to be kind to themselves if they’re facing unwanted weight gain: “Please don't beat yourself up about your weight. The meds they give us make that happen.”

Fear of weight gain can be an impediment to sticking with treatment. “The thoughts of gaining weight will make me not want to take my medication,” a member who underwent gastric bypass surgery wrote. Talk to your healthcare provider if concern about weight gain is preventing you from following your treatment plan.

The benefits of medications cancel out the side effects for some members. “My meds cause weight gain, but I keep taking them because they work,” one member commented.

In some cases, members are able to minimize weight from medications with diet and exercise. “I decided to try and counteract the weight gain side effects by getting a personal trainer, and it is working so well,” a member reported. “My weight is going down and that combined with exercise has currently got me in the best head space I have been in for over a decade.”

On MyDepressionTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with depression, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Weight gain is one of the most discussed topics.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about weight gain:
 

• "Is there a way to prevent the crash, then the depression, isolation, eating unhealthy, too little activity and weight gain after being manic?"
• "Wellbutrin. Negative effects for anyone else!?"
• “I blame this medication for my weight gain and lack of energy.”

Here are some conversations about weight gain:

• “The weight gain does not help my mental health.”
• “Seems like no matter what I do, I keep gaining weight.”

Can you relate? Share your experience below or on MyDepressionTeam.