How does Wellbutrin impact weight. What are the potential side effects of Wellbutrin on body mass. Is Wellbutrin prescribed for weight loss. What should patients know about Wellbutrin and weight changes.

The Basics of Wellbutrin: An Overview of the Medication

Wellbutrin, also known by its generic name bupropion, is a widely prescribed medication primarily used as an antidepressant. It belongs to a class of drugs called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). While its main purpose is to treat depression, Wellbutrin has gained attention for its potential effects on body weight.

Primary Uses of Wellbutrin

• Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Management of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Smoking cessation aid

Wellbutrin works by altering the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine. This mechanism of action distinguishes it from other antidepressants and may contribute to its unique side effect profile, including its potential impact on weight.

Wellbutrin and Weight Loss: Examining the Connection

One of the most common questions surrounding Wellbutrin is its effect on body weight. Can Wellbutrin cause weight loss? Clinical trials and patient experiences suggest that weight loss can indeed be a side effect of Wellbutrin use for some individuals.

Clinical Evidence of Weight Loss

According to clinical trials lasting up to 6 months for Wellbutrin XL (extended-release oral tablets):

• 14% of participants lost more than 5 pounds while taking 300 milligrams daily
• 19% lost more than 5 pounds while taking 400 milligrams daily
• Only 6% lost more than 5 pounds while taking a placebo

These figures indicate that Wellbutrin may have a modest weight loss effect in some users. However, it’s crucial to note that individual responses can vary significantly.

Mechanisms Behind Potential Weight Loss

Why might Wellbutrin lead to weight loss in some individuals? Several factors could contribute:

1. Appetite suppression: Wellbutrin may reduce appetite in some users, leading to decreased calorie intake.
2. Increased energy: By affecting dopamine levels, Wellbutrin might increase energy and motivation, potentially leading to more physical activity.
3. Metabolic effects: Some research suggests that bupropion may have a mild effect on metabolism, although more studies are needed to confirm this.

Wellbutrin and Weight Gain: The Other Side of the Coin

While weight loss is more commonly associated with Wellbutrin, it’s important to recognize that weight gain is also a possible side effect for some users. Understanding this dual potential is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Incidence of Weight Gain

Clinical trials have shown that weight gain can occur in a small percentage of Wellbutrin users:

• About 3% of participants gained more than 5 pounds while taking 300 milligrams daily
• 2% gained more than 5 pounds on 400 milligrams per day
• 4% gained weight taking the placebo

These figures suggest that while weight gain is possible, it’s less common than weight loss among Wellbutrin users. Moreover, the incidence of weight gain appears to be lower than with many other antidepressants.

Factors Influencing Weight Changes on Wellbutrin

The impact of Wellbutrin on weight can be influenced by various factors, both direct and indirect. Understanding these can help patients and healthcare providers better predict and manage potential weight changes.

Direct Pharmacological Effects

Wellbutrin’s influence on neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine can directly affect appetite, metabolism, and energy levels. These effects can vary from person to person, leading to different weight outcomes.

Indirect Lifestyle Changes

Some weight changes associated with Wellbutrin may be indirectly related to the medication:

• Alcohol consumption: Patients are advised not to drink alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. For regular drinkers, this reduction in caloric intake from alcohol could lead to weight loss.
• Improved mood: As depression symptoms improve, patients may experience changes in eating habits. Some may eat less if they previously used food as a coping mechanism, while others might eat more as their appetite returns to normal.
• Increased activity: Alleviating depression can lead to increased physical activity, potentially contributing to weight loss.

Wellbutrin Compared to Other Antidepressants: Weight Effects

When considering antidepressant options, many patients and healthcare providers are concerned about potential weight gain. How does Wellbutrin compare to other antidepressants in terms of weight effects?

Wellbutrin vs. SSRIs

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common class of antidepressants that includes medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). While SSRIs are effective for many patients, they are more commonly associated with weight gain compared to Wellbutrin.

Wellbutrin vs. SNRIs

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) have varying effects on weight. Some patients may experience weight gain, while others may see no change or even lose weight. Compared to SNRIs, Wellbutrin is generally considered less likely to cause weight gain.

It’s important to note that while Wellbutrin may be less likely to cause weight gain than some other antidepressants, the primary consideration in choosing an antidepressant should be its effectiveness in treating the patient’s specific symptoms and overall health profile.

Is Wellbutrin a Weight Loss Medication?

Given its potential for causing weight loss in some individuals, a common question is whether Wellbutrin can or should be used specifically for weight loss. Is Wellbutrin prescribed as a weight loss medication?

Off-Label Use for Weight Loss

While Wellbutrin is not FDA-approved for weight loss, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for this purpose, particularly for patients who are also struggling with depression or who have had difficulty losing weight with other methods.

Combination Medications

Interestingly, bupropion (the active ingredient in Wellbutrin) is used in combination with naltrexone in the FDA-approved weight loss medication Contrave. This suggests that while Wellbutrin alone is not a weight loss drug, its active ingredient can play a role in weight management when used in specific combinations.

It’s crucial to emphasize that Wellbutrin should not be viewed primarily as a weight loss solution. Its primary use remains the treatment of depression and other approved indications. Any potential weight loss effects should be considered a possible side effect rather than a primary goal of treatment.

Managing Weight Changes on Wellbutrin: Tips and Strategies

For patients taking Wellbutrin, managing any weight changes that occur can be an important part of treatment. Whether experiencing weight loss or gain, there are strategies that can help maintain a healthy weight while on the medication.

Strategies for Those Experiencing Weight Loss

• Monitor nutrient intake: Ensure you’re getting adequate nutrition even if appetite is reduced.
• Regular meals: Try to maintain a consistent eating schedule, even if portions are smaller.
• Calorie-dense foods: If weight loss is undesired, incorporate healthy, calorie-dense foods into your diet.
• Regular check-ins: Keep your healthcare provider informed about significant weight changes.

Strategies for Those Experiencing Weight Gain

• Regular exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to help manage weight.
• Balanced diet: Focus on a nutritious, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes to prevent overeating.
• Sleep hygiene: Maintain good sleep habits, as poor sleep can contribute to weight gain.

Remember, any significant changes to diet or exercise routines should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially when taking medications like Wellbutrin.

Long-Term Considerations: Wellbutrin and Weight Management

When considering long-term use of Wellbutrin, it’s important to understand how its effects on weight might evolve over time. Do the weight changes associated with Wellbutrin persist, or do they tend to stabilize?

Long-Term Weight Trends

Research on the long-term weight effects of Wellbutrin is limited, but some studies suggest that weight changes may stabilize over time. For some patients, initial weight loss may level off after several months of treatment. Others may find that their weight remains stable throughout long-term use.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

Long-term management of Wellbutrin treatment should include regular monitoring of weight and overall health. Healthcare providers may need to adjust dosages or consider alternative treatments if weight changes become problematic. It’s crucial for patients to maintain open communication with their healthcare team about any persistent side effects, including weight changes.

The decision to continue long-term treatment with Wellbutrin should be based on a comprehensive assessment of its benefits and side effects for each individual patient. While weight changes can be a consideration, the primary focus should remain on the medication’s effectiveness in treating the condition for which it was prescribed.

Will I Lose Weight on Wellbutrin?

Are you taking Wellbutrin (bupropion) or considering going on the medication? Wellbutrin is primarily used as an anti-depressant but sometimes is prescribed for other uses such as smoking cessation.

Many consumers wonder if they will lose or gain weight on Wellbutrin. While your health care provider and/or pharmacist is always the best source of information about your prescriptions and how they might impact your body, this guide will help give you basic information about bupropion and weight loss.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Bupropion is sold under several different brand names including Aplenzin, Budeprion SR, Budeprion XL, Buproban, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and Zyban. Many patients take Wellbutrin to manage depression or symptoms of depression.

The medication may be prescribed for:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): A combination of symptoms including sadness, feeling low for several weeks, a lack of interest in activities, sleep problems, changes in appetite and/or a feeling of worthlessness. Symptoms generally last for several weeks or longer. Your healthcare provider can tell you if your symptoms indicate a major depressive disorder.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Depressive symptoms that present during seasonal changes—usually in the fall and winter months when days are shorter—can be a sign of seasonal affective disorder. This condition is also referred to as major depression with a seasonal pattern.
• Smoking cessation: The medication may be used as part of a comprehensive program to help manage symptoms while you quit smoking.

Wellbutrin is available only by prescription so you would need to see your healthcare provider to determine if the medication is right for you. Once prescribed, you take the medication as directed for the length of time needed.

People who use Wellbutrin for MDD may be on the medication for a longer period of time. Those with SAD may take it only when symptoms arise and those who use it to ease cravings while they quit smoking might stop taking the medication once they have fully kicked the habit. Together, you and your doctor can determine when it is time for you to stop taking Wellbutrin.

Is Weight Loss a Side Effect of Wellbutrin?

According to the prescribing information for the medication, you may experience changes in body weight when you take Wellbutrin. But the change might be weight loss or weight gain.

In clinical trials lasting up to 6 months for Wellbutrin XL (extended-release oral tablets), about 3% of study participants gained more than 5 pounds while taking 300 milligrams daily. Another 2% gained more than 5 pounds on 400 milligrams per day, and 4% gained weight taking the placebo.

With regards to weight loss, 14% lost more than 5 pounds while taking 300 milligrams daily, while 19% lost more than 5 pounds while taking 400 milligrams per day. Of the study participants, 6% lost more than 5 pounds while taking a placebo.

Both weight loss and weight gain have been reported in studies of weight changes while taking Wellbutrin.

You may experience weight loss as a side effect of the medication for reasons that are not directly related to the drug. For example, you should not drink alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. If you currently drink on a regular basis, the calorie reduction that happens when you stop consuming alcohol may result in weight loss.

In addition, if you eat to manage depression, you may find that getting some relief from depressive symptoms may help you to eat only when you are hungry and not in response to your feelings.

Should I Take Wellbutrin to Lose Weight?

Even though you may experience weight loss on Wellbutrin, this medication is not specifically designed for losing weight. However, if you are taking (or plan to take) an anti-depressant and worry about possible weight gain, it is important to note that Wellbutriin is less likely to cause weight gain than many other anti-depressants.

If you are interested in taking a weight loss pill, talk to your healthcare provider about taking a medication for weight loss. Options may include Qsymia, Saxenda, Contrave or others. There are also medical procedures and bariatric surgery solutions that are available if you have tried traditional methods of weight loss, such as diet modifications and exercise, without success.

Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Costs

If you need to lose weight and you’re looking for a prescription weight loss medication, you have several choices. Your doctor may talk to you about a variety of medications, including Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone). As a weight loss medication, Contrave is prescribed in tablet form and most often alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in order to achieve results.

Before taking any weight loss medication or making changes to your diet, exercise plan, or lifestyle, make sure to consult with a medical professional who can assess your needs and develop the best plan for you. Here’s what you need to know about Contrave, including costs, weight loss results, and side effects.

What Is Contrave?

Contrave is a combination of two different medications: naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride. Each extended-release tablet contains:

• 8 milligrams of naltrexone, an opioid agonist that is often prescribed for alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, or smoking cessation
• 90 milligrams of bupropion, an aminoketone antidepressant that is used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder

The combination of the two medications is prescribed to improve weight loss success. The drug affects your central nervous system to increase the number of calories you burn and reduce your appetite.

Uses

The Food and Drug Administration first approved Contrave to aid in chronic weight management in adults in 2014. Specifically, it is prescribed as a weight loss medication to adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more or a BMI of 27 or greater along with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe Contrave if you meet the above requirements and if previous weight loss treatments have not been successful.

Effectiveness

Research shows that Contrave can help to promote weight loss, but the numbers aren’t staggering. In a 2016 study of patients without diabetes, 42% of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight after a year. That means that most study participants taking Contrave did not hit the 5% weight loss goal.

In a randomized clinical trial, 57% of patients who took Contrave lost at least 5% of their body weight. However, only 53% of the study participants completed the program. The remaining participants dropped out before the research was completed. Most dropped out within the first few weeks, citing adverse reactions such as nausea, constipation, and headaches.

In patients with diabetes, the numbers are modest as well: 36% lost at least 5% of their body weight after a year. In both studies (participants with and without diabetes), the group taking the placebo lost significantly less weight than the patients taking Contrave. All patients in both groups received lifestyle modification counseling that consisted of a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.

In each study, participants taking Contrave also made changes to their diet and exercise program. So even though they did lose some weight with the diet pill (on average, about 12 pounds in about a year), some of that weight loss was likely due to lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and not the medication. The amount of weight you lose may have a great deal to do with how well you maintain a calorie-controlled diet and an exercise program. 

Before Taking

Speak with a medical professional if you think Contrave is a good fit for you. Your physician can recommend the best course of action and help determine if this weight loss drug could work for you.

Precautions and Contraindications

According to the FDA, Contrave is not a recommended form of treatment for seizures, or people with a history of seizures, eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension). Avoid the medication if you are undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs (such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic medications) or are taking other medications that contain bupropion (such as Wellbutrin and Aplenzin).

Do not take Contrave if you are under the age of 18, use opioids, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them within 14 days, or are allergic to any of the ingredients in Contrave.

If you consider Contrave, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about every medication you are taking. Once you’ve started taking the weight loss pill, talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms. After 12 weeks, if you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight, your doctor may discontinue your treatment with the drug as the lack of results likely indicate that this medication will work for you.

Other Opioid Antagonists

Other commonly-prescribed FDA-approved opioid antagonists include:

Dosage

According to Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (the manufacturer), a single Contrave pill contains a combination of naltrexone (8mg) and bupropion (90mg) in a single tablet. The recommended dosage of Contrave is progressive, with the dosage changing from week one of the medication onward.

In the first week of taking Contrave, Orexigen recommends a daily morning dose of one tablet. You should not take any tablets in the evening during the first week.

In week two, the proper dosage includes one tablet in the morning and one tablet in the evening.

In week three, Orexigen recommends two tablets in the morning and one tablet in the evening.

Finally, beginning with week four and onward, the recommended dosage for Contrave is two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening.

All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the right dose for you.

Modifications

Speak to your healthcare provider before beginning a Contrave treatment. Your doctor may change your recommended dosage if necessary.

How to Take and Store

When taking Contrave, always swallow the tablet in its whole form. Do not cut, chew, or crush the tablet into pieces.

The maximum number of tablets to take daily is four: two in the morning and two in the evening. Do not take more than one dosage (two tablets) at one time, or more than four total tablets in a single day.

Do not take Contrave with high-fat foods, as it may increase your chances of a seizure.

If you miss a single dose of Contrave, wait until your next scheduled dose to take it. For example, if you miss a morning dose, skip it and simply take your evening dose that night. Don’t double your dose in the evening and don’t take more than one prescribed dose at a time.

If you take more than the recommended dose of Contrave, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

Store your Contrave medication at a room temperature of 59F to 86F (15C to 30C). 

Contrave Side Effects

Common

The most common side effects reported by patients taking Contrave include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In the clinical trials, 24% of people stopped taking Contrave because of side effects. Only 12% of people taking the placebo discontinued treatment.

Severe

Along with the common side effects listed above, Contrave can also cause serious reactions including suicidal thoughts or actions. Bupropion, one of the main ingredients in Contrave has been linked with suicidal thoughts and may increase these symptoms in some people while taking Contrave.

If you experience suicidal thoughts, have increased irritability, new or worsened depression or anxiety, or have other unexpected changes in your mood or behavior, stop taking Contrave and contact your doctor.

Additional severe side effects of Contrave include seizures, severe allergic reaction, sudden increase in blood pressure or lower blood sugar, potential liver damage, and changes or issues with vision.

Naltrexone, one of the ingredients in Contrave, can also increase the chances of an opioid overdose, so always check with your doctor prior to beginning treatment. Taking Contrave may cause sudden opioid withdrawal if you have not stopped using opioids prior to starting Contrave.

Warnings and Interactions

Researchers don’t know how taking Contrave effects long-term cardiovascular health. So if you are already at risk for cardiovascular disease, you may want to speak to your doctor about the potential for harm if you take this weight loss drug. The drugmaker began a randomized clinical trial in early 2016 to evaluate the heart health safety of Contrave. However, the study was terminated early after a data leak, and no further results have been released.

Researchers also don’t know how Contrave interacts with other weight loss products, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription treatment when you discuss whether or not the medication is right for you.

Black Box Warning

Contrave is required to carry a black box warning stating that users should be cautious about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults. People who have experienced depression or mania may see their conditions return while on Contrave. 

Don’t consume large amounts of alcohol while taking Contrave. If you do consume alcohol regularly and in large quantities, speak with your doctor before stopping. Cutting alcohol completely while taking Contrave can increase your chances of a seizure.

Cost

The number of Contrave tablets that you take each day will determine the overall cost. According to prescribing information provided by the company, your dose is likely to vary as you continue with the treatment.

The cost of Contrave varies from about $99 per month to over $250 per month depending on dose, location, and insurance coverage. The drugmaker offers a discount coupon plan for people whose insurance does not cover Contrave or who do not have insurance coverage. With the savings card, you may be able to pay no more than $4 a day for a monthly prescription.

A Word From Verywell

There is no weight loss medication that works perfectly for everyone. Talk to your doctor about your diet and exercise experience and your medical history to determine if Contrave might work for you. You will need to stay in contact with your healthcare team and have a strong commitment to nutritious eating and regular physical activity to make sure that your body stays strong and healthy. 

Side Effects, Effectiveness, and Costs

Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection) is an injectable weight-loss drug that helps your body to feel full sooner after you eat. This may help you to eat less overall. The product isn’t right for everyone but research studies have shown that prescription weight loss injections may help you reach and maintain a healthier weight.

The medication comes in a pre-filled pen and is injected into your body once each day, at any time of the day. If you take Saxenda, you’ll work together with your physician to reach the correct dose, up to 3 milligrams (mg).

Saxenda can be used by patients who are obese (with a BMI of 30 or more) or by patients who have a BMI of 27 or more and a weight-related medical condition such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Patients who take Saxenda should also be ready to commit to lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise program.

Effectiveness of Saxenda

Your weight loss with liraglutide will depend on several factors including how well you tolerate the medication and how well you stick to a low-calorie diet and exercise program. In clinical trials, patients taking Saxenda lost more weight than those patients who took a placebo. The patients who were studied took the medication for a year and also received counseling to promote diet and exercise lifestyle changes. 

At the end of the study, 64% of patients without diabetes lost at least 5% of their body weight, while only 34% of those taking a placebo reached that goal. In patients with diabetes, 49% of patients treated with Saxenda lost at least 5% of their body weight compared with 16% of patients treated with placebo.

If you currently weigh 250 pounds and you take Saxenda, stick to a low-calorie diet and exercise on a regular basis, it’s possible that you could lose 12.5 pounds or more. But keep in mind that you would need to continue your healthy lifestyle to keep the weight off for good.

Makers of this injectable weight-loss drug provide a support system called SaxendaCare. Patients who enroll in the program get access to additional information, coaching support, weekly emails and dosing support to help them reach their healthy weight goals. 

Saxenda Side Effects

In clinical trials, the most common side effects observed in patients treated with Saxenda were nausea, low blood sugar, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, and abdominal pain.

In addition, some patients who took Saxenda reported serious side effects including pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, renal impairment, and suicidal thoughts. Saxenda can also raise the heart rate. You should stop taking it if you notice an increase in your resting heart rate that continues over time.

Precautions With Weight Loss Injections

Patients who should not take Saxenda include women who are pregnant, those who have had any prior serious reactions to liraglutide or any of its components, and patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). 

You should also avoid taking Saxenda if you are taking another GLP-1 receptor agonist or if you use insulin. Saxenda and another common medication called Victoza (prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes) have the same active ingredient, liraglutide. Victoza provides a lower dose of liraglutide. The two medications should not be used together.

You should talk to your doctor to make sure Saxenda is safe for you. Your health care provider will evaluate your health history and your medical conditions to decide if you can use the medication and if it is likely to improve your health.

Cost of Saxenda

Saxenda prices vary, but the cost of liraglutide can run $40 per day or more. The monthly cost of Saxenda is generally estimated to be about $1,200, but prices vary depending on your pharmacy and location

However, your treatment may be covered by your insurance company. You can call your insurance provider to see if the medication is covered on your plan, or you can visit the Saxenda website and use their copay tool to get an estimate.

You may also be able to benefit from the Saxenda Savings Card. According to promotional information, some users are able to pay as little as $30 or save up to $200 per prescription. Keep in mind, however, that there is a maximum benefit of $200 per prescription and 12 benefits annually.

It can also help to shop around to find the best prices. The website GoodRx.com can help you find the pharmacy with the lowest price for Saxenda in your area. Saxenda coupons are also available at the website Drugs.com. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how long you will need to be on the medication so that you can calculate the real cost of the treatment over the long term.

If an Antidepressant Makes You Thin While You Are Taking It

Substantial weight gain is a common side effect of most antidepressant medication, and for many people, the weight is lost once the medication is no longer being taken. However, one antidepressant, bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin) seems to have the opposite effect. Weight is often lost while on the drug, and gained after it is stopped.

Bupropion is a medication prescribed for depression, but also as an aid to smoking cessation. One of its more attractive side effects, for those who appreciate being a few pounds lighter, is weight loss. Indeed, bupropion is now combined with another drug, naltrexone, and sold as the weight-loss drug Contrave.

Bupropion seems like a wonderful drug. Just imagine yourself feeling dumpy and depressed, having eaten your way through the winter doldrums or out of a difficult breakup. You try to diet, but your emotions keep you putting food in your mouth. The food is comforting, but there is a limit to the bags of salty chips or pints of ice cream you can eat without growing out of your clothes. At some point, you seek professional help for your depression and are started on bupropion. Within a short period of time, not only are you in a better emotional state, you have lost weight. You are thinner and happy. Perfection!

But at some point, theoretically, you and your therapist agree that it is time to stop the drug. You do this slowly, because there are some serious side effects if you stop abruptly. But you withdraw correctly and everything seems okay—until you notice you just gained 10 pounds. And then, maybe 20 pounds were suddenly added to your standard weight. Your amazing control over eating has vanished, along with your smaller jean size. How did this happen?

The reason is well-known to those who work on the chemistry of the brain. Bupropion increases the potency of two related brain chemicals: dopamine and norepinephrine, which have a stimulant effect on behavior. As a result, the sluggish, foggy brain, lethargic feelings of depression disappear, and more importantly? The sensation of hunger disappears, so it is very easy to eat less and even skip meals.

The problem is that when the antidepressant is no longer being taken, the withdrawal effects can be, well, depressing. Some people feel their mood becoming bleak again. They experience the fatigue we tend to associate with the aftermath of the flu, and no longer experience the bouncy, upbeat mood they had when they were on the drug. And for those who celebrated their almost magical ability to say no to fattening foods while on the drug, they now sadly find themselves saying yes.

This doesn’t mean that bupropion should not be taken. Every antidepressant drug seems to produce some side effects in most people, and at least patients don’t have to worry about gaining weight while they are taking this medication. But are patients being helped as they approach the end of their treatment with this drug to prevent them from gaining weight, and sometimes a considerable amount? I suspect not.

Consider this: If the patient — you perhaps — were taking bupropion as a weight-loss drug, and not as an antidepressant, you would also need help to improve your food choices, avoid overeating triggers, and stay engaged in an exercise regimen. Obviously this type of support is unlikely to be available from the therapist to whom you are going for your depression. He or she, after all, is not a weight-loss counselor or personal trainer, and you are not going to your therapist to lose weight.

But on the other hand, your therapist does know that you have a good chance of gaining weight when you stop the bupropion. This being established, doesn’t it make sense to offer you the support and advice of a weight-loss facility, or an individual to help you not gain weight during the transition from drug use to drug withdrawal? Indeed, the support should be started while the bupropion is still being taken, so that drug-assisted improvements in food intake and willingness to exercise are maintained when it has been discontinued.

But a note of realistic expectations must be inserted here. Even with the aid of weight-loss professionals, it may not be possible to prevent some weight gain when this stimulant anti-depressant is discontinued. You will feel hungrier and will need willpower to prevent yourself from gobbling everything in sight, at least for a short period. Willpower combined with eating small amounts of carbohydrates should work better than willpower alone. Eating carbohydrates will increase the activity of serotonin, the brain chemical that terminates eating. Serotonin won’t prevent you from wanting to eat, but it will make you feel full and satisfied before you have eaten too much.

Not all side effects from bupropion can be prevented. But certainly, it should be possible to limit its potential to cause weight gain when it is no longer being taken for depression. If that can be achieved, then it really will improve mood and weight. And that is a good track record for any drug.

Weight Gain and Antidepressants (Including SSRIs)

Seeking help for depression — and following through with antidepressant medication — is a courageous and important first step on the road to recovery. But too often, those who take that step find themselves faced with another troubling problem: weight gain.

Experts say that for up to 25% of people, most antidepressant medications — including the popular SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs like Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft — can cause a weight gain of 10 pounds or more.

“This is a phenomenon that I first noticed years ago when Prozac first came on the market. It didn’t initially show up in the clinical trials because most of them were eight to 12 weeks in length, and the weight gain generally occurs with longer use. But it’s definitely one of the side effects of this and other antidepressant medications,” says Norman Sussman, MD, a psychiatrist and associate dean for postgraduate medical programs at the NYU School of Medicine.

A review published in 2003 in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine stated that while weight gain is a possible side effect with SSRI antidepressant drugs, it may be more likely to occur after six months or more of use.

Continued

But SSRIs aren’t the only class of antidepressants that may have weight gain as a side effect. Other antidepressant medications, including tricylics (like Elavil and Tofranil) and MAO inhibitors (drugs like Parnate and Nardil), may also cause patients to gain weight with both long-term and short-term use.

“This is clearly a problem for the majority of drugs used to treat depression, and while it doesn’t occur with every drug or for every person, when it does happen, it can be a significant problem that we shouldn’t just ignore,” says Jack E. Fincham, PhD, RPh, professor of pharmacy practice at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and author of The Everyday Guide to Managing Your Medicines.

Antidepressants and Weight Gain: What Happens and Why

Although there are a number of theories as to why antidepressants lead to weight gain, Sussman believes that both appetite and metabolism may be affected.

Continued

“I have had patients who swear that they are not eating any more, but still gaining weight, so that tells us there is some kind of metabolic influence going on; I have also had patients tell me that they are not only more hungry and eating more, but that the medicines are encouraging a carbohydrate craving that is hard to control, so we know appetite also plays a role,” he says.

Continued

Fincham says antidepressants may also simply help us to rediscover pleasure in our life — including food.

“It might be a situation where someone feels so much better when taking an antidepressant that lots of things suddenly start feeling more pleasurable to them, and food is just one of them. So in this instance they may actually be overeating and not even realize they are doing so, says Fincham.

Findings from a group of Italian researchers published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics suggest that the simple act of recovery from depression may play a role in the weight gain.

Weight Gain and Antidepressants: Switching Drugs Can Help

While experts may not be certain about why antidepressants cause weight gain, they do know that switching drugs may make a difference.

Some antidepressants may be less likely to affect weight. Effexor and Serzone generally do not cause weight gain, while Wellbutrin can cause weight loss.

Sometimes switching within the same class of drugs can make a huge difference.

Continued

“Right now, the SSRI Paxil is the worst offender — the antidepressant most likely to cause weight gain, while another SSRI, Zoloft, is the least likely, so that’s a switch that can sometimes make a big difference for some people,” says Sussman.

The downside to switching drugs: Sussman says not every drug works equally well to control symptoms in all people.

“The neurochemistry involved in depression is extremely complex and slightly different for everybody, so while switching drugs may help with the weight gain, you might forfeit some control over depression symptoms,” says Sussman.

So far, no drugs (including weight loss drugs) have been sufficiently tested to be approved for use in managing weight gain from psychiatric medications. The authors of the Cleveland Clinic review report that using regular doses of antidepressants with low doses of certain stimulant drugs or seizure medications may help mitigate some weight gain, while adding low doses of Wellbutrin or naltrexone (a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism) to an antidepressant regimen might also help.

If you are taking antidepressants, you should never use any weight loss medication without the consent of your physician, cautions Fincham. “In my opinion I also do not see the herbal weight loss products as a viable option.” he says.

Antidepressants and Weight Gain: The Diet and Exercise Link

Not surprisingly, experts also say that some of the same tenets that help us control our weight under normal circumstances may also help us while using antidepressants — including eating healthy and getting enough exercise.

“The best thing you could do would be to head off the weight gain before it starts by switching to a more nutritious diet and increasing your daily exercise as soon as you start taking an antidepressant,” says registered dietitian Samantha Heller, MS, RD.

If, in fact, you’ve already started packing on the extra pounds, Heller says switching to a healthier diet, cutting calories, and increasing exercise are still worth the effort.

“Even if you don’t lose weight immediately, you can begin controlling the gain and help your body to stabilize for a while,” says Heller.

Moreover, a steadily growing body of scientific evidence suggests that increasing your daily exercise may affect not only weight loss, but also help your depression. In one large study of more than 3,400 Finnish men and women published in the journal Preventive Medicine, researchers found that those who exercised at least two to three times a week experienced significantly less depression, anger, and stress than those who exercised less frequently or not at all.

Continued

“The bottom line here is that not only can healthy eating and exercise help control your weight gain, they can also improve your depression, which in turn may help you to cut down on your medication — and that in turn make weight loss easier,” says Heller.

Experts warn, however, not to severely restrict caloric intake while taking antidepressants. Not only may this affect brain chemistry in a negative way, any strong sense of deprivation may contribute to feelings of depression.

So how do you diet without feeling deprived? Heller suggests enlisting the help of a registered dietitian: “In the same way you may need the help of a psychiatrist in dealing with your depression symptoms, you may also need the help of a registered dietitian to devise an eating plan that can help you lose weight without impacting your depression in a negative way.”

Antidepressants and Weight Loss: If at First You Don’t Succeed …

Although all the experts WebMD consulted believe it’s certainly worth making any and all efforts to control your weight while taking antidepressant medications, they also point out that for one subgroup of people, weight gain will simply be an inevitable side effect of treatment.

Continued

“There are clearly some people for whom certain antidepressants are essential, even though the impact on their weight can be so strong that it simply can’t be offset by any amount of calorie restricting or even exercise. It just doesn’t work,” says Sussman.

If this turns out to be true for you, Fincham says it’s vital to keep it in the proper perspective and recognize the importance of treating your depression first and foremost.

“Seeking help for depression and following through with your medication regimen is a courageous and important thing to do, so even if you gain weight in the process, give yourself the gift of working through the depression first. Get a handle on it as best you can, and then worry about the weight loss after you are feeling better mentally and emotionally,” says Fincham.

Sussman agrees. “You have to recognize that the weight gain is not your fault and that what you are doing to help overcome your depression is far more important,” he says.

Wellbutrin Weight Loss: How Effective Is It?

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) to you for depression or help with quitting smoking, you might be curious about one of its common side effects: weight loss. 

Can Wellbutrin be used on its own as a weight loss medication? 

• Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) can cause weight loss in some people.
• Originally prescribed as an antidepressant, bupropion is now also prescribed for weight loss and as a smoking cessation aid.
• Weight-loss medications are typically prescribed if your BMI is over 30 (or 27 and above if you have health problems).
• Weight-loss medications aren’t for everyone. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether Wellbutrin is right for you.

We’ll break down what the science says, how Wellbutrin works, and what you and your healthcare provider should consider before you start taking Wellbutrin as part of a weight loss regimen.

It can. Bupropion (the generic form of Wellbutrin) was initially prescribed as an antidepressant. It is the only antidepressant associated with weight loss (Alonso-Pedrero, 2019). Healthcare providers noticed that mostly pleasant side effect, and today bupropion is sometimes prescribed as part of a medication for weight loss (naltrexone/bupropion, brand name Contrave), as well as a stop-smoking aid (brand name Zyban). 

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As far as the evidence that bupropion by itself causes weight loss: 

• A 2016 study that analyzed the long-term weight loss effect of various antidepressant medications found that non-smokers who took bupropion lost 7.1 pounds over two years. (This effect was not seen in smokers). Users of the other antidepressants in the study gained weight (Arterburn, 2016).
• Bupropion seems to be effective for weight-loss maintenance as well. A 2012 study found that obese adults who took bupropion SR (standard release) in 300mg or 400mg doses lost 7.2% and 10% of their body weight, respectively, over 24 weeks and maintained that weight loss at 48 weeks (Anderson, 2012). 
• And a 2019 review of 27 studies on antidepressants and weight gain found that antidepressant use increases body weight by an average of 5%—except bupropion, which is associated with weight loss (Alonso-Pedrero, 2019). 

Bupropion is a drug known as an NDRI (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor). It prevents the brain from absorbing free-floating norepinephrine (a.k.a. adrenaline) and dopamine (otherwise known as the feel-good hormone). This increases the level of both chemicals in the brain (Huecker, 2020). Experts aren’t exactly sure how bupropion works to stimulate weight loss. It may act on receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain that affect metabolism and appetite.

Antidepressants that cause weight loss

4 minute read

Bupropion is sold in generic form and under several brand names, including: 

• Aplenzin
• Budeprion SR
• Budeprion XL
• Buproban
• Forfivo XL
• Wellbutrin
• Wellbutrin SR
• Wellbutrin XL
• Zyban 

Bupropion is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is also used to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).

If you’re interested in taking bupropion for weight loss, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a weight loss medication is the right option for you. 

Healthcare providers consider certain factors before prescribing a weight loss medication. These include the potential benefits of the medication, any possible side effects, your current medical status and medications, your family’s medical history, and cost (NIH, 2016). 

Healthcare providers generally prescribe weight loss medications for people with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher, which signifies obesity. If your BMI is 27 to 29, healthcare providers may prescribe a weight-loss drug if you’re experiencing health problems related to overweight, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or type 2 diabetes (NIH, 2016). 

What is a normal body mass index (BMI)?

2 minute read

Your healthcare provider also might determine your overweight or obesity can be best treated with simple lifestyle changes—such as a healthy eating plan, regular exercise, and better sleep—before prescribing medication. 

Bupropion can cause certain side effects. Common side effects associated with bupropion include mental changes (like hostility or agitation), dry mouth, headaches, nausea and vomiting and dizziness, and others (DailyMed, 2018). 

Serious side effects can include seizures, hallucinations, confusion, hypertension (high blood pressure), and allergic reactions (MedlinePlus, 2018). Seek medical advice immediately if you experience these side effects while taking bupropion.

Bupropion can also cause drug interactions with certain other medications, including (DailyMed, 2018): 

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Blood thinners
• Digoxin
• HIV antivirals
• Anti-seizure medications
• Drugs that increase dopamine levels
• Drugs that lower the seizure threshold 

This is not a complete list of side effects or drug interactions. If you have questions whether a drug or supplement you’re taking might interact with bupropion, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Read everything you need to know about bupropion here. 

If you’re considering a medication to treat obesity, bupropion is one of several options. Other medications include phentermine/topiramate (brand name Qsymia), liraglutide (brand name Saxenda), and bupropion/naltrexone (brand name Contrave).

Keep in mind, though, that no weight-loss pill will work magic. Your healthcare provider will recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise in addition to any medication. 

1. Alonso‐Pedrero, L., Bes‐Rastrollo, M., & Marti, A. (2019). Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review. Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 20(12), 1680–1690. doi: 10.1111/obr.12934. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31524318/
2. Anderson, J. W., Greenway, F. L., Fujioka, K., Gadde, K. M., McKenney, J., & O’Neil, P. M. (2002). Bupropion SR enhances weight loss: a 48-week double-blind, placebo- controlled trial. Obesity research, 10(7), 633–641. doi: 10.1038/oby.2002.86. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12105285/
3. Arterburn, D., Sofer, T., Boudreau, D. M., Bogart, A., Westbrook, E. O., Theis, M. K., Simon, G., & Haneuse, S. (2016). Long-Term Weight Change after Initiating Second-Generation Antidepressants. Journal of clinical medicine, 5(4), 48. doi: 10.3390/jcm5040048. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27089374/
4. DailyMed – Bupropion hydrochloride tablets (2018). Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=77346c0b-c605-47ed-ba2a-86fc757c7d74
5. GlaxoSmithKline. WellbutrinXL. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wellbutrinxl.com/safety
6. Huecker, M. R., Smiley, A., & Saadabadi, A. (2020). Bupropion. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved March 18, 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262173/
7. MedlinePlus – Bupropion (2018). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html
8. National Institutes of Health. Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity

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Antidepressants that cause weight loss: Risks, benefits, and more

Most antidepressant medicines cause weight gain as a side effect. Bupropion is an antidepressant that may lead to weight loss in some people.

Antidepressants are a common form of treatment for depression. However, some people with depression may encounter problems with managing their weight.

These issues are sometimes due to the symptoms of depression that may affect appetite. They also result from antidepressant use, which could lead to weight gain as a possible side effect.

In this article, we discuss antidepressants that cause weight loss. We also look at the benefits and risks of antidepressants for weight loss and consider alternative options.

Share on PinterestAntidepressants may cause some people to have problems with managing their weight.

Buproprion is a common antidepressant medication, and its brand names include Aplenzin and Wellbutrin. It comes as an immediate and extended-release pill.

Buproprion works by altering chemical levels in the brain. It disrupts the enzymes that regulate norepinephrine and dopamine.

Buproprion is an atypical form of antidepressant, which means its class differs from other types of antidepressants, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

While it can help with depression, some people may also take bupropion to stop smoking, as the drug can reduce nicotine cravings.

A study in 2016 found that people who took bupropion lost around 7 pounds more than those who took other antidepressants over 2 years. But this effect was only discovered in nonsmokers.

A 2019 review of 27 studies in children and adults who took antidepressants found that only those taking bupropion lost weight, while people who took other antidepressants gained weight.

Most people will not gain weight if they take antidepressants. One study found that people with moderate weight had a 29% higher risk of overweight if they use these medicines.

Studies show bupropion is an effective treatment for depression. Therefore, it may be a suitable option for people with depression and concerns about possible weight gain.

For example, taking bupropion may be useful for people with depression and obesity. If people take another type of antidepressant, it could cause further health problems in these situations.

People without depression should not take antidepressants for weight loss, as there is no evidence bupropion causes weight loss in people without this condition.

A person who takes bupropion increases their risk of the following side effects:

In rare cases, bupropion can trigger serious side effects, including:

• seizures
• confusion
• fever
• rashes or hives
• swelling around the body
• hallucinations and delusions
• paranoia
• changes in heart rate
• difficulty breathing
• chest pain

These signs could indicate a medical emergency or other serious health concerns. People who experience any of these side effects should stop taking bupropion immediately and contact a doctor.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warn these drugs may increase the risk of suicide. Bupropion may cause unpredictable changes in mood and suicidal thoughts.

The best alternative for weight loss is a combination of a healthful diet and exercise.

A person can follow a diet rich in vegetables and fruit, and eat whole grains over refined grains or foods with added sugars. Some people may need to reduce their calorie intake and portion sizes.

Regular exercise is another important step. People should aim to do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.

Running, cycling, and swimming are excellent ways to aid weight loss. Muscle-strengthening exercises are also important for weight loss and overall health. They can also help improve body composition.

There are usually no short cuts for sustainable weight loss. Some tips for developing good habits include:

• setting goals
• rewarding good behavior
• keeping a food diary
• learning to stop eating when full
• avoiding cues that encourage excessive eating

People should not take pills for weight loss. There is currently no evidence for any pill that can cause sustainable or healthy weight loss.

People should be careful if they follow a restrictive diet. Many fad diets are difficult to maintain over long periods and could cause nutrient deficiencies.

Learn more about alternative ways to lose weight here.

Though most antidepressants can cause weight gain, bupropion is a medication for depression that can lead to weight loss. If people with depression are concerned about weight gain, this might be a suitable option.

People who do not have depression should not take bupropion to lose weight. There is no evidence that this drug causes weight loss in those without depression, while there is a risk of serious side effects.

The best way for people to lose weight is to eat well and exercise regularly.

90,000 Five unexpected factors affecting your weight

• Kirsty Brewer
• BBC

April 28, 2018

Photo caption,

Jackie (left) and Gillian are twins, but they have BMI very different

Many people believe that the desire to lose weight depends solely on willpower, but medical research suggests otherwise. Here are five unexpected factors that can affect your weight.

1.Gut microbiome

Jillian and Jackie are twins, but one weighs 41 kg more than the other.

Professor Tim Spector has been following their development for 25 years as part of a UK nationwide twin study program. He believes that the difference in their weight is due to tiny microorganisms – microbes that live in our intestines.

“Every time you eat something, you feed hundreds of trillions of germs. You never eat alone,” he explains.

Stool samples taken from each of the sisters revealed that the thinner Jillian has a very diverse intestinal flora, while Jackie has very few intestinal microbes.

“The more this diversity, the thinner the person. If you are too heavy, then your microbes are not as diverse as they could be,” says Professor Spector, who bases his findings on a study of 5,000 people.

Photo Credit, Science Photo Library

Photo Caption,

Human Gut Bacteria

To diversify your microbiome, you need to eat a healthy and varied diet rich in various kinds of fiber.

As the professor points out, most Britons consume only half of the fiber they need.

Sources of useful fiber:

• bran cereals
• fruits, including berries and pears
• vegetables, such as broccoli and carrots
• beans
• cereals
• 9003 nuts

9000 Why do some people strictly follow different diets, exercise regularly, but still cannot lose weight, while others do almost nothing, but remain in good shape?

Scientists at the University of Cambridge believe that about 40-70% of our weight depends on the set of genes that we inherited from our parents.

“This is a lottery,” says Professor Sadaf Farooqi. “It is now clear that genes affect our weight, and if you have a defect in certain genes, that may be enough for obesity.”

These specific genes can affect appetite, the amount of portion eaten, and even what kind of food a person prefers. Genes also determine how we burn calories and whether our bodies are able to efficiently distribute fat.

There are at least 100 genes affecting weight in total, including the MC4R gene, which controls hunger and appetite.

According to experts, one person in every thousand has a defective variant of the MC4R gene, which means that its owners tend to be more hungry, and they are drawn to more fatty foods.

“You can’t do anything about your genes, but some people will find it helpful to know that their genes increase their chances of gaining weight. Knowing this, they can change their diet and exercise,” says Professor Farooqi.

3. Is the supper still to the enemy?

There is some truth in the old saying: “Eat breakfast yourself, share lunch with a friend, and give dinner to the enemy,” but not in the sense in which you might think.

Obesity expert Dr. James Brown says the later we eat, the more likely we are to gain weight. And not because we are less active at night, as many people think, but because of our internal clock.

“Our bodies are tuned to handle calories most efficiently during the daytime when it’s light, not at night when it’s dark,” he explains.

This is the reason why those who work in shifts or at different hours can find it more difficult not to gain weight.

At night, our body has difficulty digesting fats and sugar, so it is better to eat something high in calories before seven in the evening in case you want to lose weight or not gain weight.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Eggs for breakfast are good!

Over the past ten years, the UK national average has shifted dinner time from 5:00 pm to around 8:00 pm, and this has also contributed to the increase in overweight people, Dr. Brown points out.

But even with today’s pace of life and no matter what your working hours are, there are things you can control to keep fit.

Dr. Brown’s rules are not to ignore breakfast or eat just one slice of toasted bread in the morning.

For breakfast you need to eat something that contains protein, some fat and carbohydrates, such as eggs and a piece of bread made from wholemeal flour. This way you will feel full for longer.

This should be followed by a substantial nutritious lunch and a lighter dinner.

4. How to trick your brain

Photo author, Getty Images

According to the government sociological group Behavioral Insights Team, the British do not monitor how much food they consume, and as a result, they underestimate the food they receive by 30-50%. calories.

Behavioral Scientist Hugo Harper suggests several ways you can subconsciously change your eating habits so you don’t count calories all the time.

For example, it will be more effective not to rely on your own willpower, but simply to remove from sight something that whets your appetite.

Therefore, do not lay out unhealthy snacks in plain sight, it is better to put a bowl of fruit or something useful there.

Do not sit in front of the TV with a packet of cookies – put on the saucer as many cookies as you are going to eat (maximum two), and with this amount go into the living room.

Dr. Harper also advises substituting rather than canceling something entirely, especially if you love it – just go for the low-calorie option.

For example, drink low-calorie carbonated drinks. Or reduce the serving size. This will be more effective than trying, for example, to completely break the habit of drinking tea with chocolate chip cookies.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Patience, Bobik, and the donut will be yours!

“People tend to be oblivious to the difference when their portions are cut 5-10%,” says Harper.

In addition, people often eat mechanically, without even thinking about what they are eating, so if you take a smaller plate or follow the recipe suggested on the package, this will prevent thoughtless absorption of calories.

5. Hormones

The success of bariatric surgery lies not only in the fact that it reduces the stomach, but also in the subsequent change in hormonal levels.

Our appetite is controlled by hormones, and doctors have found that bariatric surgery – the most effective treatment for obesity – increases the number of hormones that make us feel full, and decreases those that make us feel hungry.

However, we are talking about a major operation, which consists in reducing the volume of the stomach, sometimes by 90%, and it is only recommended for people with a body mass index of at least 35.

Scientists from Imperial College London have recreated intestinal hormones that cause a change in appetite after such surgery, and are currently conducting new clinical trials with their help.

Patients are offered a mixture of three hormones injected daily for four weeks.

“Patients feel less hungry, eat less and lose two to eight kilograms in 28 days,” says Trisha Tan.

If this method is found to be safe, it is planned to use it in the future until the patient reaches normal weight.

This reportage first appeared in a BBC documentary The Truth About Obesity

10 principles to gain muscle mass

Build muscle mass is not easy – everyone knows that.Yes, you go to the gym and pull an iron, but if you really want to gain weight and muscle, you need a plan more solid than a random set of dumbbells and multiple sets on all machines. “Exercising without a plan just won’t get you on track,” says Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel. “You need a strategy.” This strategy shouldn’t be so rigid that there is no room for pleasure. On the contrary, you can still enjoy good food and you don’t need to spend hours at the gym if you exercise smartly.In this article, we will provide ten working tips for gaining muscle mass that will come in handy for both beginners and those who have reached the training plateau.

1. Maximize Protein Synthesis

The more protein you build up in your body – in a process called protein synthesis – the more your muscles grow. But your body is constantly depleting its protein stores for other purposes, such as hormone production.The result is less protein available for muscle building. To counter this, you need to “create new proteins faster than your body breaks down old proteins,” says Michael Houston, professor of nutritional science at Virginia Tech. Consume about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, which is roughly the maximum amount your body can use per day. For example, a 160-pound person should consume 160 grams of protein per day – the amount they will get from a 230-gram chicken breast, 1 cup of cottage cheese, a roast beef sandwich, two eggs, a glass of milk, and 60 grams of peanuts.Divide the rest of your daily calories equally between carbs and fats.

2. Eat more

In addition to getting enough protein, you need more calories. Use the following formula to calculate the amount you need to take daily to gain 2 kg per week:

A. Your weight: _____
B. Multiply A by 12 to get your basic calorie needs: _____
C. Multiply B by 1.6 to estimate your resting metabolic rate (calorie burn without exercise): _____
D.Multiply the number of minutes you spend per week doing strength training by 5: _____
E. Multiply the number of minutes per week you spend doing cardio, cycling, or playing sports by 8: _____
F. Add D and E and divide by 7: _____
G. Add C and F to get your daily calorie needs: _____
H. Add 500 to G: _____.

This is your estimated daily calorie intake to gain 2kg per week. Give yourself 2 weeks for the results to appear on the scale.If you haven’t gained by this time, increase your calories by 500 per day.

3. Work in a complex manner

Yes, big biceps are great, but if you want harmoniously developed muscles throughout your whole body, you need to challenge your body. And one of the keys to this is to work through what are called “multi-joint” exercises. “Isolation training has value, yes,” says Samuel, “but it can’t be the backbone of your program.”Instead, you should do exercises that affect several groups of joints and muscles at once. Take the dumbbell row, for example: the average gym goer challenges biceps, lats, and abs. Engaging multiple muscle groups at once allows you to lift more weight and is a key growth promoter (more on that later). It also forces you to use the muscles together like you do in real life. “Multi-joint movements are key to your workouts,” says Samuel.Make sure exercises such as squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, and bench presses are used in your workout – they will all stimulate multiple muscle groups at once to build mass.

4. Weight is more important than repetitions

Not every set you do needs to be 10-15 reps. Yes, high rep sets can make a difference, but for multi-joint exercises like squats and bench presses and deadlifts, don’t be afraid to do, say, 5 reps.“This will allow you to use more weight while building pure strength,” says Samuel. As you progress, this new strength will allow you to lift heavy weights with more repetitions. One way you can approach this in training is to start with a low rep exercise. Do 4 sets of 3-5 reps for the first exercise, then do 3 sets of 10-12 reps for all subsequent exercises. “It’s the best of both worlds,” Samuel says, “to build pure strength first, and then accumulate reps.”

5. Drink first

A 2001 study at the University of Texas found that athletes who drank a shake containing amino acids and carbohydrates before training increased protein synthesis more than athletes who drank the same shake after training. The shake contained 6 grams of essential amino acids – muscle building blocks of protein – and 35 grams of carbohydrates. “Because exercise increases blood flow to your working tissues, consuming a carbohydrate-protein blend before exercise can lead to greater absorption of amino acids into your muscles,” says Dr. Kevin Tipton, an exercise and nutrition researcher at the University of Texas at Galveston.For a shake, you will need 10 to 20 grams of protein – usually about one scoop of whey protein powder. Can’t digest protein drinks? You can get the same nutrients from a sandwich made with 115 grams of turkey and a slice of cheese on whole grain bread. But the drink is better. “Liquid foods are absorbed faster,” says Kalman. So master the shake 30-60 minutes before your workout.

6. No need to “kill yourself”

Your body has to move every day, but that doesn’t mean your workouts have to be to the point of exhaustion.“If you train hard every day, your body has no way to grow,” says Samuel. Strive to end each workout feeling good, not dead. Limit your gym workout to 12-16 full sets, and never go beyond that. This is not to say that you cannot do “brutal” workouts often. But limit the workouts that push your body to the breaking point to three a week, and not one at a time. “Muscles take time to recover in order to grow.Constantly training to exhaustion will be counterproductive, ”says Samuel.

7. Carbohydrates after training

Research shows that you will recover faster on rest days if you feed your body with carbohydrates. “An afternoon meal with carbohydrates raises insulin levels, which in turn slows down the rate at which protein is broken down,” says Kalman. Banana, sports drink, and peanut butter sandwich are your best friends here.

8.Eat something every 3 hours

“If you don’t eat often enough, you can limit the rate at which your body makes new proteins,” says Houston. Take the number of calories you need per day and divide by six. This is roughly the amount you should eat at every meal. Make sure you consume protein – about 20 grams – every 3 hours.

9. Some ice cream

This tip will be the easiest and most enjoyable to follow: Eat some ice cream 2 hours after your workout.This snack triggers an insulin spike better than most foods, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. And it will inhibit post-workout protein breakdown.

10. Drink milk before bedtime

Eat a combination of carbohydrates and protein 30 minutes before going to bed. According to Kalman, calories are likely to stay with you while you sleep and decrease protein breakdown in your muscles. Try a cup of bran with raisins and skim milk or a cup of cottage cheese with fruit.Eat again as soon as you wake up.

And finally: “The harder you are, the better the results,” says Kalman. Drink this protein shake before every workout. Mix one scoop of protein with the following pre-workout muscle-nourishing ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil or flaxseed oil, 1/2 low fat yogurt, 1 g grape or apple juice. KJBU per cocktail: 335 calories, 27 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fat. ”

All health and effective training!

How calorie deficit diets make you fat

After a low calorie diet, many people gain weight again.And it’s not a lack of willpower or bad eating habits. This is because the body strives to return to a given amount of fat.

Target amount of fat is a specific level of adipose tissue in the human body.

This amount is strictly individual and depends on genetics, activity level and dietary habits. But whatever it is, the body will try to keep this amount unchanged.

How the body stores fat

Slowing down metabolism

The further you go from your target amount of fat, the more the body prevents further fat loss, making your ^{energy system operate at its maximum efficiency.Mitochondria – the energy sources of cells – begin to produce more energy from less fuel.}

At the same time, the metabolism slows down, the amount of energy that you spend on ordinary activities decreases, even the thermal effect of food decreases ^{– the number of calories you spend to digest food.}

And the more fat you lose, the more efficient your body becomes. Moreover, the more often you expose your body to such a test, the better it learns to conserve energy.That is, in your fourth attempt to lose weight on a low-calorie diet, fat will go much slower than in the first three.

Hunger hormones

As you lose weight, your fat cells shrink, triggering the secretion of leptin, a hormone that makes you feel full.

Study ^{showed that during a caloric deficit, the drop in plasma leptin levels outweighs the rate of decline in fat stores. Moreover, this level remains low for some time after the weight has stabilized.This means that even after the diet is over, it will be difficult for you to get enough.}

At the same time, a calorie deficit causes increased levels of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for feeling hungry. Thus, you constantly feel hungry, meals do not bring satiety, and your body conserves energy – ideal conditions for weight gain.

And when you quit the diet, you not only return to your old weight, but gain even more.

Why do you gain weight after a diet

The target amount of fat, which we talked about above, is determined by the number and size of your fat cells.When you quit the diet, the shrunken fat cells grow larger again. In theory, this should inform the body that the weight is restored and there is no more calorie deficit, so you can stop saving energy.

However, experiment ^{in mice proved that rapid weight recovery after losing weight provokes the formation of new fat cells.}

The more fat cells you have, the smaller their average size. Lack of fat cells and decreased leptin levels signal the body that fat is still low, so your body continues to conserve energy.All this forces you to store even more fat than before the diet.

It turns out that in order to really lose weight, you need to avoid a sharp slowdown in metabolism during the diet and correctly return to the usual diet after it. Let’s take a look at three strategies to help you lose weight without slowing your metabolism and return to your calorie intake without gaining fat.

Three strategies for effective weight loss

1. Find your calorie deficit

First of all, you need to find out how many calories, proteins, fats and carbohydrates (BJU) you consume without any restrictions.For three days, just read the nutritional value of everything you eat, on paper or in a special supplement.

Next, determine how many calories you need to consume in order to lose fat, but not slow down your metabolism. Try the simplest method: take your weight in kilograms and multiply by 26.5. For example, if you weigh 60 kg, you will need to consume 1,590 calories to lose weight.

Do not take this value as an absolute truth. This is just a starting point, a rough number to start with.

To find your calorie count, you need to carefully monitor your condition.

If you feel a lack of energy and constant hunger, then you need to slightly increase the calorie intake, otherwise the deficit will lead to adaptation and slow down the metabolism.

If you are feeling great and not hungry, you can, on the contrary, lower your calorie intake, but it is advisable to do this gradually, as a quick transition will again slow down your metabolism.

2.Reverse Diet

When you reach your goals, it is time to increase your calorie intake. However, a quick transition to increased calories can lead to the formation of new fat cells and weight gain. To avoid this, use a reverse diet.

The essence of this diet is a gradual increase in calories – by 80-100 kcal per day. This approach allows you to slightly speed up your metabolism, slowed down after a long calorie deficit, to return to your norm of nutrients without gaining excess weight.

Specific weight gain depends on how large your calorie deficit was, how you feel, and how afraid you are of gaining weight at the end of the diet. If you are in a large calorie deficit, feel weak, and are not afraid to put on some fat after you quit, you can take the big jump and quickly add 200-500 calories.

If you are feeling good on the diet and do not want to gain a single gram of excess fat, increase the calorie content very carefully. For example, increase the amount of carbohydrates and fat in your diet by 2-10% each week.

3. Find Small Victories to Build Your Determination

We’ve already talked about how constantly jumping from a low-calorie diet to a regular diet only worsens your results. Therefore, try to avoid breakdowns.

Physical discomfort from lack of calories must be compensated for by mental satisfaction. You will not be able to hold out for long on a simple anticipation of results – you need daily small victories.

Eliminate situations that make you feel guilty and take away little joys.

For example, if you are constantly going beyond your established carbohydrate intake, why not just raise it?

When you understand that you are able to follow a diet and keep within your norm, and at the same time you feel good, there is no weakness and wild hunger, you begin to enjoy the process, and this is the key to a long diet with sustainable results.

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