Can antihistamines cause weight gain. How do antihistamines affect appetite and metabolism. Which antihistamines are most likely to lead to weight gain. What are alternative treatments for allergies that don’t impact weight. How can allergy sufferers manage symptoms without risking weight gain.

The Link Between Antihistamines and Weight Gain

Allergy season brings with it a host of uncomfortable symptoms, prompting many to reach for over-the-counter antihistamines. However, recent research has shed light on a concerning side effect of these medications: weight gain. A 2010 study published in the journal Obesity by scientists from Yale University revealed that individuals taking antihistamines experienced an increase in body weight.

This connection between antihistamines and weight gain is rooted in the biology of histamine and its receptors in the body. Histamine plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and metabolism through its interaction with receptors in the hypothalamus, the brain’s appetite control center.

How Antihistamines Affect Weight

• Blocked satiety signals: When antihistamines block histamine receptors, the brain doesn’t receive proper “fullness” signals, potentially leading to overeating.
• Reduced calorie burning: Histamine receptor blockage can impair the body’s ability to burn calories efficiently, slowing down metabolism.
• Increased appetite: The biological changes caused by antihistamines can result in heightened appetite and food cravings.
• Fatigue and reduced motivation: Some antihistamines can cause tiredness, potentially decreasing motivation to exercise.

Common Antihistamines Associated with Weight Gain

Not all antihistamines carry the same risk of weight gain. Some medications are more likely to impact body weight 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)

Why does loratadine (Claritin) stand out as a potentially better option for those concerned about weight gain? Loratadine doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it cannot directly affect the appetite center in the brain. This characteristic makes it less likely to stimulate appetite or cause fatigue, two factors that can contribute to weight gain.

The Science Behind Histamine and Body Weight

To understand why antihistamines can lead to weight gain, it’s essential to delve into the role of histamine in the body. Histamine is more than just a molecule involved in allergic responses; it’s a crucial neurotransmitter that affects various bodily functions, including appetite regulation and metabolism.

Histamine’s Role in Appetite Regulation

The hypothalamus, often referred to as the body’s “appetite control center,” contains numerous histamine receptors. When these receptors are activated by histamine, they help send signals of fullness or satiety to the brain. This process is part of the complex system that regulates our eating behavior and helps maintain a healthy body weight.

Histamine and Metabolism

Beyond its role in appetite regulation, histamine also influences the body’s metabolic rate. Research has shown that histamine can enhance the breakdown of fat cells and increase energy expenditure. When antihistamines block these effects, it can lead to a slower metabolism and reduced calorie burning, potentially contributing to weight gain over time.

The Obesity-Allergy Connection

Interestingly, studies have shown that individuals with obesity are more prone to allergies. This relationship may be bidirectional, with obesity potentially exacerbating allergic responses and allergy treatments potentially contributing to weight gain. The exact mechanisms behind this connection are still being studied, but several theories have been proposed:

• Inflammatory state: Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which may increase susceptibility to allergic reactions.
• Altered immune function: Excess adipose tissue can affect immune system function, potentially influencing allergic responses.
• Shared genetic factors: Some genetic variations may predispose individuals to both obesity and allergies.
• Environmental factors: Common environmental factors may contribute to both conditions, such as dietary habits or exposure to certain pollutants.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for healthcare providers in managing both allergies and weight in their patients. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the potential impacts of allergy treatments on body weight and vice versa.

Alternative Allergy Treatments with Minimal Weight Impact

For those concerned about the potential weight gain associated with antihistamines, several alternative treatments for allergies exist. These options may help manage allergy symptoms without the same risk of weight gain:

1. Steroid nasal sprays: These can effectively reduce nasal inflammation and congestion without systemic effects.
2. Eye drops: Specially formulated allergy eye drops can alleviate itching and redness.
3. Decongestants: While not suitable for long-term use, they can provide short-term relief of nasal congestion.
4. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray: This medication prevents the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances.
5. Allergy shots (immunotherapy): A long-term treatment that can reduce sensitivity to specific allergens over time.
6. Salt-water nasal washes: A natural method to clear nasal passages of allergens and mucus.
7. Frequent showers: Helps remove pollen and other allergens from the skin and hair.

Non-Drug Strategies for Allergy Management

In addition to medical treatments, several non-drug strategies can help reduce exposure to allergy triggers:

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home
• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner
• Wash bedding in hot water weekly
• Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses
• Limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times
• Wear a mask when doing yard work or gardening

Managing Weight While Treating Allergies

For individuals who need to use antihistamines but are concerned about weight gain, there are strategies to help mitigate the potential impact on body weight:

Dietary Considerations

• Practice mindful eating to better recognize hunger and fullness cues
• Increase intake of high-fiber foods to promote satiety
• Choose nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods to manage calorie intake
• Stay hydrated, as thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help counteract the potential metabolic slowdown associated with antihistamine use. Consider:

• Engaging in regular aerobic exercise to boost metabolism
• Incorporating strength training to build muscle mass and increase resting metabolic rate
• Finding indoor exercise options for days when pollen counts are high

Medication Management

• Consult with a healthcare provider about using the lowest effective dose of antihistamines
• Consider taking antihistamines only when symptoms are severe
• Explore the possibility of using antihistamines seasonally rather than year-round

The Importance of Personalized Care in Allergy Treatment

When it comes to managing allergies while considering potential weight implications, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual’s situation is unique, influenced by factors such as:

• The severity and type of allergies
• Existing health conditions
• Current weight and metabolic health
• Lifestyle factors
• Genetic predispositions

This complexity underscores the importance of working closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan. An allergist or immunologist can help assess the most appropriate treatment options, while an obesity medicine specialist can provide guidance on managing weight concerns.

Integrative Approaches

Some healthcare providers are adopting integrative approaches to allergy management, which may include:

• Nutritional counseling to support immune function and reduce inflammation
• Stress reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate both allergies and weight issues
• Exploration of complementary therapies like acupuncture or herbal remedies (under medical supervision)

Future Directions in Allergy Treatment and Weight Management

As research continues to explore the complex relationships between allergies, antihistamines, and body weight, new treatment approaches may emerge. Some promising areas of investigation include:

Targeted Antihistamines

Scientists are working on developing more targeted antihistamines that could potentially provide allergy relief without affecting appetite or metabolism. These medications might act specifically on histamine receptors in tissues involved in allergic responses while sparing those in the brain and metabolic systems.

Immunomodulatory Therapies

Advances in understanding the immune system’s role in both allergies and obesity may lead to new therapies that address both conditions simultaneously. These could potentially target shared inflammatory pathways or immune system components.

Personalized Medicine Approaches

As genetic testing becomes more accessible, it may become possible to predict an individual’s likelihood of experiencing weight gain from antihistamines. This could allow for more tailored treatment recommendations based on a person’s genetic profile.

Microbiome-Based Interventions

Emerging research on the gut microbiome’s role in both allergies and weight regulation may lead to probiotic or prebiotic treatments that could help manage both conditions.

While these future directions hold promise, it’s important to remember that current treatments and lifestyle modifications can still effectively manage allergies while minimizing the risk of weight gain. Staying informed about the latest research and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers are key steps in navigating the complex interplay between allergy treatment and weight management.

For those struggling with weight loss while managing allergies, seeking the help of an obesity medicine specialist can provide valuable insights and personalized strategies. These specialists can work in conjunction with allergy specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both allergy symptoms and weight concerns effectively.

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

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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.