(NaturalHealth365)  Depression and anxiety affect more Americans than ever before, with millions of people taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and various hybrid courses of therapy every day.  While these medications may work for some people (temporarily), they are not without unwanted side effects, including weight gain, reduced positive feelings and suicidal thoughts!

While gaining weight over the course of antidepressant treatment is relatively common, the amount of weight gain varies between the first-line medications used in most doctors’ offices.  Researchers set out to quantify the expected weight gain associated with antidepressant use and compare the differences among major prescriptions.  Although depression and anxiety are widespread in today’s society, numerous treatment options exist, many of which are holistic and do not involve medication.

This article will examine a recent study on antidepressant-related weight gain and its findings and explore alternative approaches to managing depression and anxiety beyond prescription medications.

What’s fueling the rise in depression?

There is no shortage of stressors in the world today to be depressed about; a combination of unstable geopolitics, inflation, and any number of personal issues can weigh heavily on a person’s mental health.  Our society is so breakneck that we are expected to work ourselves to the bone while not displaying weakness, and this can easily lead to burnout and depression.

There are other factors at play, however – the unnatural and highly processed diets that we almost all partake in are key factors in depression development.  There is a profound link between bodily inflammatory states and the development of depression in all age groups.

It is reasonable to look at the world around us and assume that mental health crises abound because of the state of everything, but one of the biggest contributors could be living right within your body.

Researchers explore the impact of antidepressants on weight gain

Antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by preventing the reabsorption (or reuptake) of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, back into neurons.  This allows serotonin to remain available longer in the brain, improving mood regulation.  While the exact mechanism of how this alleviates anxiety and depression isn’t fully understood, the ability of SSRIs to enhance serotonin signaling has shown enough efficacy in treating these conditions to warrant their widespread medical use.

In addition to a variety of other side effects, some mild, some less so, weight gain is a well-known side effect of most antidepressants.  The researchers of the study above assessed the health records of over 180,000 mental health patients over 24 months in the United States.  They examined the baseline weight and BMI of each individual at the time their course of antidepressants began, at the midpoint of 12 months, and the end.

The main antidepressants, often referred to as ‘first-line’ medications, include bupropion (Wellbutrin), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), duloxetine (Cymbalta), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and venlafaxine (Effexor).  Each of these medications has its own profile of potential side effects, but some may also provide additional benefits for comorbid mental health conditions alongside depression.  As a result, the choice of medication is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

The analysis of over 180,000 patients showed a clear line of weight gain in an overwhelming majority.  Of those examined, Zoloft and Lexapro showed the most significant weight gain.  The difference between each medication was not extremely high, and bupropion showed the least weight gain.  The researchers, however, did admit that they could not control for medication adherence – their data indicated only that the patients were prescribed these medications for the 24 months of the observation, but there was no way to know if they were taking them regularly or not.

Tips to combat depression naturally

Research increasingly supports the idea that what we eat can significantly impact our mood and mental well-being.  A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet supplemented with fish oil was associated with lower rates of depression and improved overall mental health.

We, at NaturalHealth365, consistently advocate for a natural diet rich in organic, whole foods as a powerful tool to combat many chronic health issues.  While depression is a complex condition that may not always respond solely to dietary changes, adopting a whole-food diet can play a crucial role in supporting mental health.

In addition, we know that the pharmaceutical industry would like all of us believe that depression or anxiety is best treated by taking their drugs.  Conversely, we would like to see more doctors giving out lifestyle advice to their patients to improve the quality of their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

For example, consistent daily exercise offers multiple benefits for mental health.  It helps regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn reduces systemic inflammation.  Additionally, exercise has been shown to boost mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Quality sleep is crucial for overall health, with mental well-being particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances.  Many modern health issues can be significantly improved through a combination of regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep.  Bottom line: do everything you can to improve the quality of your sleep, starting tonight.

Remember, addressing sleep, exercise, and diet is fundamental to managing any health condition, including mental health disorders.  By focusing on these areas, you’re taking proactive steps toward better mental and physical well-being.

Sources for this article include:

Acpjournals.org
Medicalnewstoday.com
NIH.gov