How do antihistamines affect body weight. What are the side effects of antihistamine use. Which antihistamines are least likely to cause weight gain. What are alternative treatments for allergies. How can you manage allergies without medication.

The Connection Between Antihistamines and Weight Gain

Allergy sufferers often turn to antihistamines for relief from symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. However, recent studies have shown a concerning link between these medications and weight gain. A 2010 study published in the journal Obesity by Yale University researchers found that people who took antihistamines experienced weight gain.

The reason behind this connection lies in how histamine affects our body weight. The hypothalamus, which is the brain’s appetite control center, contains histamine receptors. When these receptors are blocked by antihistamine medication, the brain fails to receive the “I’m full” signal it normally would. Additionally, the body’s ability to burn calories effectively is impaired when histamine receptors are blocked, leading to a slower metabolism.

How Antihistamines Affect Weight

• Increased appetite
• Overeating
• Slower fat breakdown
• Lower metabolism
• Fatigue and reduced motivation to exercise

Common Antihistamines Associated with Weight Gain

Not all antihistamines have the same effect on weight gain. Some are more likely to cause this side effect than others. Here’s a list of antihistamines that have been associated with weight gain:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
• Chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton)

Loratadine: A Better Option for Weight-Conscious Allergy Sufferers

For those concerned about weight gain, loratadine (Claritin) may be a better choice among antihistamines. Unlike other antihistamines, loratadine does not cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it cannot stimulate the appetite center of the brain. This unique property also means that loratadine is less likely to cause fatigue, another factor that can contribute to weight gain.

Other Side Effects of Antihistamines

While weight gain is a significant concern, antihistamines can cause various other side effects that users should be aware of. These include:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Restlessness or moodiness
• Trouble urinating
• Blurred vision
• Confusion

Alternative Treatments for Allergies

Given the potential side effects of antihistamines, many allergy sufferers are seeking alternative treatments. Fortunately, there are several options available that may provide relief without the risk of weight gain:

1. Steroid nasal sprays
2. Eye drops
3. Decongestants
4. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray
5. Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

These alternatives can be effective in managing allergy symptoms without the potential for weight gain associated with oral antihistamines.

Non-Medicinal Strategies for Allergy Management

In addition to medical treatments, there are several non-drug strategies that can help alleviate allergy symptoms:

• Frequent showers to remove allergens from skin and hair
• Salt-water nasal washes to clear nasal passages
• Reducing exposure to allergy triggers (pollen, dust, mold, pet dander)
• Using air purifiers in the home
• Keeping windows closed during high pollen days
• Washing bedding regularly in hot water

The Link Between Obesity and Allergies

Interestingly, studies have shown that people with obesity are more prone to allergies. This connection may be related to the medications used to treat seasonal allergies, creating a potential cycle of weight gain and increased allergy susceptibility. Understanding this relationship is crucial for both allergy management and weight control.

Factors Contributing to the Obesity-Allergy Connection

• Inflammation associated with obesity may increase allergy sensitivity
• Antihistamine use leading to weight gain
• Reduced physical activity due to allergy symptoms
• Potential dietary changes in response to allergy symptoms

Seeking Professional Help for Weight Management

If you’re struggling with weight loss, especially in the context of allergy treatment, it’s essential to seek the help of an obesity medicine specialist. These professionals can provide personalized guidance on managing both your allergies and weight effectively.

An obesity medicine specialist can:

• Assess your current medication regimen and its impact on weight
• Recommend alternative allergy treatments that are less likely to cause weight gain
• Develop a comprehensive weight management plan
• Provide guidance on nutrition and exercise tailored to your specific needs
• Monitor your progress and adjust treatments as necessary

Understanding Histamine’s Role in the Body

To fully grasp the impact of antihistamines on weight gain, it’s crucial to understand the role of histamine in the body. Histamine is not just involved in allergic responses; it plays a significant role in various physiological processes.

Key Functions of Histamine

• Regulating sleep-wake cycles
• Stimulating stomach acid production for digestion
• Mediating inflammatory responses
• Acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain
• Influencing appetite and metabolism

When antihistamines block histamine receptors, they not only alleviate allergy symptoms but also interfere with these other functions. This broad impact explains why antihistamines can affect weight and energy levels.

The Science Behind Antihistamine-Induced Weight Gain

The mechanism by which antihistamines contribute to weight gain is multifaceted. Understanding these processes can help individuals make informed decisions about their allergy treatment.

Factors Contributing to Weight Gain

1. Increased Appetite: Blocking histamine receptors in the brain can lead to increased hunger signals.
2. Metabolic Changes: Antihistamines may slow down the body’s metabolic rate, reducing calorie burning.
3. Fatigue: The sedating effect of some antihistamines can lead to decreased physical activity.
4. Water Retention: Some antihistamines may cause fluid retention, leading to temporary weight gain.
5. Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Poor sleep quality due to antihistamine use can affect hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.

Balancing Allergy Relief and Weight Management

For those who rely on antihistamines for allergy relief but are concerned about weight gain, finding a balance is key. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Opt for non-sedating antihistamines like loratadine when possible
• Use antihistamines only when necessary, rather than as a preventive measure
• Combine antihistamine use with non-drug allergy management strategies
• Monitor your weight regularly and adjust your diet and exercise routine as needed
• Consider allergy shots or immunotherapy for long-term allergy management
• Consult with an allergist about tailored treatment options

The Impact of Seasonal Allergies on Quality of Life

Seasonal allergies can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting work performance, sleep quality, and overall well-being. The decision to use antihistamines should be weighed against these potential impacts.

Areas Affected by Seasonal Allergies

• Sleep quality and duration
• Cognitive function and concentration
• Mood and emotional well-being
• Physical comfort and energy levels
• Social interactions and activities

While managing weight is important, it’s equally crucial to address the debilitating effects of severe allergies. Working with healthcare providers to find the right balance is essential for overall health and well-being.

Emerging Research on Antihistamines and Metabolism

As the link between antihistamines and weight gain becomes more apparent, researchers are delving deeper into the relationship between these medications and human metabolism. Recent studies have explored various aspects of this connection:

Key Research Findings

• Impact on Brown Fat: Some studies suggest that antihistamines may affect brown fat activity, which plays a role in calorie burning and thermoregulation.
• Gut Microbiome Interactions: Researchers are investigating how antihistamines might influence the gut microbiome, potentially affecting metabolism and weight.
• Long-term Effects: Studies are examining the long-term metabolic consequences of chronic antihistamine use.
• Genetic Factors: Research is exploring whether certain genetic profiles make individuals more susceptible to antihistamine-induced weight gain.

This ongoing research may lead to the development of new antihistamines with fewer metabolic side effects or more targeted approaches to allergy treatment.

Nutritional Strategies for Allergy Sufferers

Diet can play a significant role in managing both allergies and weight. Certain foods may help alleviate allergy symptoms naturally, while others might exacerbate them. Incorporating allergy-friendly foods into your diet can potentially reduce reliance on antihistamines and support healthy weight management.

Allergy-Fighting Foods

• Foods rich in quercetin (e.g., onions, apples, berries)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds)
• Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables
• Local honey (may help with pollen allergies)

While these foods may offer some relief, it’s important to note that they should not replace medical treatment for severe allergies. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

The Role of Exercise in Allergy Management and Weight Control

Regular physical activity can be beneficial for both allergy management and weight control. Exercise can help strengthen the immune system, improve respiratory function, and support healthy weight maintenance. However, for allergy sufferers, exercising outdoors during high pollen seasons can be challenging.

Tips for Exercising with Allergies

• Choose indoor activities during peak allergy seasons
• Exercise in the early morning or evening when pollen counts are lower
• Wear a mask when exercising outdoors
• Shower and change clothes immediately after outdoor activities
• Consider swimming as a low-allergen exercise option

By incorporating these strategies, allergy sufferers can maintain an active lifestyle without exacerbating their symptoms or relying heavily on antihistamines.

The Future of Allergy Treatment

As our understanding of allergies and their impact on overall health continues to grow, new treatment approaches are being developed. These emerging therapies aim to provide effective allergy relief without the side effects associated with traditional antihistamines.

Promising Developments in Allergy Treatment

• Targeted Immunotherapies: More specific treatments that address individual allergy triggers
• Biologics: Medications that target specific pathways in allergic responses
• Nanotechnology: Delivery systems that may improve the efficacy of allergy medications
• Gene Therapy: Potential future treatments that could modify the genetic basis of allergic responses
• Personalized Medicine: Tailoring allergy treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific allergen sensitivities

These advancements hold promise for more effective allergy management without the unwanted side effects of weight gain and other issues associated with current antihistamines.

Psychological Aspects of Allergies and Weight Management

The relationship between allergies, antihistamine use, and weight gain can have significant psychological impacts. Managing chronic health conditions like allergies while also being concerned about weight can be stressful and affect mental well-being.

Psychological Considerations

• Stress from managing multiple health concerns
• Anxiety about potential weight gain from necessary medications
• Impact on body image and self-esteem
• Frustration with limitations on activities due to allergies
• Psychological effects of chronic fatigue associated with allergies and some treatments

Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive allergy and weight management. Mental health support, stress reduction techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy can be valuable components of a holistic treatment approach.

Navigating Allergy Treatment Decisions

Making informed decisions about allergy treatment requires careful consideration of various factors. Balancing the need for symptom relief with concerns about weight gain and other side effects can be challenging. Here are some steps to help navigate these decisions:

1. Consult with an Allergist: Get a comprehensive allergy assessment and discuss all treatment options.
2. Consider Your Individual Risk Factors: Evaluate your personal risk for weight gain and other side effects based on your medical history and current health status.
3. Explore Combination Therapies: Discuss using a combination of treatments (e.g., nasal sprays, eye drops, and limited oral antihistamines) to minimize side effects.
4. Monitor and Adjust: Keep track of your symptoms, weight, and overall well-being, and be prepared to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
5. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research and treatment options in allergy management.

Remember that allergy treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What works best for one person may not be ideal for another. Open communication with healthcare providers is key to finding the most effective and balanced approach to managing allergies while maintaining overall health and well-being.

Scott D. Isaacs, MD: Endocrinologist

Allergy season is here. We are experiencing record pollen counts this year and you may be experiencing symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Many people treat seasonal allergies with over-the-counter antihistamines, but did you know that these medications could be making you gain weight? 

Studies have shown that people with obesity are more prone to allergies, and this may have to do with the medications used to treat seasonal allergies. Scientists from Yale University published a study in 2010 in the journal Obesity showing that people who took antihistamines gained weight.

Histamine is known to affect body weight. The appetite control center of the brain known as the hypothalamus contains receptors for histamine. When histamine receptors are blocked by an antihistamine medication, the brain doesn’t receive the “I’m full” signal like it normally would. The body also can’t burn calories effectively when the histamine receptor is blocked, lowering metabolism. These biological changes result in increased appetite, overeating, slower fat breakdown and weight gain. Antihistamines can also make you feel tired and unmotivated to exercise.

Antihistamines that can cause weight gain include:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
• Chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton)

If you need to take an antihistamine your best bet is loratadine (Claritin). This is because loratadine does not cross into the brain and therefore cannot stimulate the appetite center of the brain and does not cause fatigue.

Other side effects of antihistamines include:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Restlessness or moodiness
• Trouble urinating
• Blurred vision
• Confusion

Alternative allergy treatments include steroid nasal spray and eye drops, decongestants, cromolyn sodium nasal spray and allergy shots. Frequent showers and salt-water nasal washes can also be helpful. Non-drug strategies to dealing with allergies include reducing exposure to allergy triggers like pollen, dust, mold or pet dander.  

If you’re struggling with weight loss, you need the help of an obesity medicine specialist. If you’d like to learn more about permanent weight loss, please feel free to call us or schedule an appointment with Dr. Isaacs using the online booking tool on this website.

Author

Scott Isaacs, MD
Endocrinologist and Weight Loss Specialist

Treatment of Hepatic Hypothyroidism

Hepatic hypothyroidism is not a thyroid disorder and is not treated with thyroid medications, thyroid supplements, or a thyroid diet.

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Today about half of all American adults have one or more chronic diseases, often related to poor diet.

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Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. This is partly because the conditions that lead to heart disease are happening at younger ages.

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January is Healthy Resolutions Month

Some people’s challenges are more daunting than others, and it can be disappointing when we abandon our resolutions after only a few weeks. No matter what you have resolved to do this year, it is always best to approach it with a plan.

Antihistamines and Weight Gain | Obesity Medicine Association

Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin are all antihistamines sold throughout the United States, both over the counter and via prescription. Anyone who suffers from chronic sinus congestion, runny noses, hives, or even occasional insomnia is aware that these medications are powerful tools in our pharmaceutical arsenal. Given histamine receptors are located throughout our body, these drugs can affect us in many ways, including weight gain.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is a molecule famously known to be a key player in allergic responses. It is released by cells called mast cells at the membranes that cover our noses, mouths, lungs, and stomachs when exposed to an allergen (something that results in allergies such as pollen, dust, etc). This results in our small blood vessels known as capillaries becoming more permeable allowing white blood cells to move into the vessels to attack the foreign body. The intention of this process is to help expel potential intruders, but often our immune system overreacts and leads to burdensome runny noses, congested sinuses, and rashes.

Histamine also acts as a neurotransmitter in our brains playing a key role in wakefulness and preventing sleep, which is why Benadryl (an anti-histamine) makes you sleepy. This effect may actually be one of the reasons why anti-histamines are among the medications that can cause weight gain.

What is the relationship between antihistamines and weight gain?

The major study which somewhat demonstrates the relationship between antihistamines and weight gain come from the journal of Obesity[1] in 2010 which used the National health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data set to study the issue. The NHANES is an annual health survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), where the NCHS staff drive trailers across the United States and conduct interviews, medical histories, physical examinations, and laboratory testing to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for major diseases. This data is then available to the public for research.

For this particular study researchers from the Yale University School of Medicine looked at the NHANES data set from 2005-2006, looking at 268 adults (174 female and 94 male) who reported the use of a prescription antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Allegra, and compared them to 599 people (401 female and 198 male) who did not, looking at differences in body mass index (BMI), cholesterol and glucose levels. After doing a statistical adjustment for gender and age, the researchers found that those who used prescription anti-histamines displayed significantly greater BMI, waist circumference, and insulin levels, but no differences between cholesterol and fasting glucose levels, demonstrating a correlation between using anti-histamines and higher weight. Specifically, anti-histamine users had an average BMI of 30 versus a BMI of 28-29 for men and women who did not use the drugs. In pounds men who used anti-histamines had an average weight of 214 pounds versus 192 and women had an average of 176 pounds versus 166 pounds.

This seems to suggest that antihistamines could be a factor in weight gain. However, the important thing to note is that this is a cross-sectional study and just because in this case antihistamine use and weight gain are related, it doesn’t mean one necessarily causes the other. Also, the study looked at only prescription antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Allegra not over-the-counter medications like Benadryl (although now many over-the-counter anti-histamines have the same strength as the prescription versions).

Still, from clinical experience and solid scientific research demonstrating how histamine affects our appetites, it is safe to say that anti-histamines probably do affect weight gain. Moreover, antipsychotics like Zyprexa have a significant anti-histamine effect and are well known to result in dramatic weight gain.

Why do anti-histamines cause weight gain?

Histamine decreases our hunger by in part affecting the appetite control center in our brains[2], and it makes sense an anti-histamine would have the opposite effect. These drugs can interfere with the “I’m full” signal coming from the rest of our bodies and lead to overeating. Medications like Allegra and Benadryl also have the effect of making us sleepier, decreasing the amount of energy we use, and leading to fewer calories burned throughout the day. While first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl are more prone to make you sleepy, even second-generation medications like Zyrtec, when broken down by the body, resulting in byproducts that have a mild sedative effect.

Do antihistamines cause weight gain?

The short answer seems to be yes. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably won’t lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weight loss efforts. If you need an antihistamine for frequent allergy symptoms, however, the best choice is Claritin because it does not cross into the brain and has less effect on appetite and sedation. Otherwise, steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, and just reducing exposures to allergens are other options.

Written by: Vivek Gupta, MD, MPH

Which drugs make you gain weight

If you are prescribed a drug and start to gain weight, the two events are not necessarily related. Some groups of drugs can really affect weight gain, but not in the way you think.

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Perhaps you are taking some kind of medication and have started noticing how the numbers on the scale are getting bigger. Look in the instructions for the group of your drug and perhaps it will be on this list.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

1. Why does the drug cause weight gain?

By itself, the drug does not form fatty tissue from nothing. Reasons your drug may cause weight gain include side effects such as:

• increased appetite

• water retention

• intense accumulation of fat from incoming food (faster than usual)

• slow metabolism 900 31

• fatigue, lethargy or weakness

2. Medicinal drugs

2.1 Antidepressants

Some antidepressants can cause weight gain by affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects our mood. You become more relaxed, your well-being improves, and with it your appetite. Other antidepressant options can cause drowsiness and fatigue, which reduces your level of activity, and therefore the expenditure of energy, which is then stored as adipose tissue.

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2.2 Contraceptives

This class of drugs is most often blamed for weight gain. In general, birth control pills are not associated with weight gain, especially the newer pills with lower doses of estrogen and progestin. A significant effect can be observed only with injections. And so again we return to the revision of the calorie content of the diet and the level of physical activity.

2.3 Antihistamines

Blocking histamine activity may increase appetite. Used to treat allergic conditions.

2.4 Antipsychotics and the treatment of mood disorders

Although all antipsychotics have been shown to cause some metabolic and weight changes, each drug has its own risk profile. They have a similar effect to antidepressants. This class of drugs is used for mental illness.

2.5 Beta blockers

Beta blockers are a class of heart drugs used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). They can cause fatigue. A person lacks energy and slows down, which can affect the number of calories burned per day

2.6. Corticosteroids

Steroids can affect the metabolic rate and lead to increased appetite and overeating. This class of drugs can lead to additional deposits of fat in the middle part of the body (in the abdomen). They are often used for a short time

2.7 Diabetes medicines

May cause weight gain, both through increased appetite and increased glucose uptake into cells. Too many calories in the form of glucose will lead to weight gain (as insulin injections can). But remember that nutrition and physical activity can control such effects.

2.8 Anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers and migraine medicines

Have a similar body weight gain mechanism to previous classes. Long-term use of this group of drugs can cause significant weight gain

3. What should I do?

Other drugs will not have any significant effect on your weight. Get back to the basics:

1. a balanced diet

2. regular physical activity

3. quality sleep and rest

If you are all – you are still taking one of the above drugs, consult your doctor, but do not stop the drug yourself .

(Also: How antidepressants affect weight: here’s what the scientists say)

Medicines that make you gain weight side effects. Unfortunately, doctors do not always warn about what medications can lead to, and many would like to know what to expect from a course of medications.

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One of the most common drug side effects is weight gain. Let’s make a reservation right away – this does not happen for everyone and not always, but you can be one of those “lucky ones” who really put on weight.

We talk about drugs that can cause weight gain. We are sure that it is better to know and take some steps in advance so as not to gain weight than to accidentally discover an extra 3-5, or even 10 kg, gained over several weeks of taking the drug.

In general, it would be absolutely useful to discuss with the doctor all the possible “side effects” that the prescribed medicine can cause in order to take timely action. This, however, applies to any side effects, and not just those associated with weight. In some cases, undesirable effects are inevitable, but there are situations when their occurrence can be completely avoided or at least made less pronounced.

Steroids

Steroid preparations can be prescribed for various diseases. They make it quite easy to achieve an improvement in the condition, but the treatment is often accompanied by an undesirable effect, including insomnia, increased appetite and swelling. All this is the perfect combo for those extra pounds to literally stick in strategic places. It is important that steroids are available in different forms – these can be ointments and creams, sprays, as well as tablets. The latter just cause weight gain the most. You can reduce your chances of gaining weight by choosing the lowest possible dose for you, as well as adjusting your diet and choosing the ideal sleep pattern for you.

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Antidepressants

Many people say that you can gain weight on antidepressants. Fortunately, not everyone is gaining it, although this, of course, is quite real. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors pose the greatest danger in this regard, so if you are taking drugs whose active ingredient belongs to this class of substances, be careful.

The fact is that such drugs not only improve your mood and help you feel less depressed, but also increase your appetite. And here the connection is quite obvious: you want to eat more – you eat more – your weight increases.

If you are prone to weight gain, then discuss with your doctor in advance that you are worried about the fact that he will become more – it is likely that he will be able to choose another suitable drug for you.

Birth control pills

Oral contraceptives have many side effects, some of which are quite pleasant and desirable. But, let’s not hide, weight gain is not included in this list for everyone.

It works like this: progesterone, which is part of birth control pills, increases appetite, which causes women to eat more and gain weight. Another possible mechanism is that while taking contraceptives, the body begins to more actively retain water, and the weight also goes up because of this.

Antihistamines

Popular antihistamine-based allergy medications are most often not available by prescription. They can be prescribed by a doctor, but many people buy these drugs on their own initiative and choose the dosage on their own.

In addition to the fact that the selection of medicines still has to be done by a specialist, there is another danger. All the same kilograms that you can gain. Taking allergy medications frequently can lead to weight gain. This happens more often in women than in men. If you notice that you are really gaining weight on the background of a course of antihistamines, but at least try to change the dosage form: the spray in this case will be much less dangerous than tablets.

Blood pressure medications

Medicines prescribed for hypertension, such as beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers, also affect weight.