Does Zoloft (sertraline) cause weight gain?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Jan 26, 2022.

Zoloft (sertraline) may lead to a small weight gain ranging from 1% to 1.6% of initial body weight when used over 6 months to 1 year. For example, in a 150 lb (68 kg) person, this would equal an added 1.5 to 2.4 lbs (0.7 to 1.1 kg) of weight. Shorter-term treatment in adults usually does not lead to substantial weight gain, but most patients need to take Zoloft for an extended period of time.

In children, weight loss has been reported with Zoloft possibly due to side effects like nausea or loss of appetite. In 281 children treated with Zoloft, at least 2% reported decreased weight, at a rate that was twice that of placebo (an inactive pill).

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved to treat

• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

How does weight gain with Zoloft compare to other SSRIs?

Of the SSRIs, Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) appear to cause the least amount of weight gain.

Weight gain with SSRI treatment can vary. In general, weight gain is ranked:

• lowest with fluoxetine
• slightly higher with sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• highest with paroxetine (Paxil).

In a 26 to 32 week double-blind study, 284 patients with major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to long-term treatment with fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil).

• Of the three SSRIs, paroxetine-treated patients had a significant weight gain, sertraline-treated patients had a modest but nonsignificant weight gain, and those receiving fluoxetine had a nonsignificant weight loss.
• The number of patients whose weight increased 7% or more from the start of the study was significantly greater for paroxetine-treated patients than for those receiving either fluoxetine or sertraline.

In another 2.5 year open-label study of 138 patients treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), weight changes were assessed for several SSRIs (citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, or sertraline), as well as the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) clomipramine.

• In all groups except fluoxetine, a significant weight gain was reported. Clomipramine (a TCA) was associated with the greatest weight gain. TCAs are well known to cause more weight gain than SSRIs.
• Of the SSRIs, fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) had the lowest weight gain.
• Zoloft and Prozac also had the lowest percentage of patients with a weight gain of 7% or more over their initial body weight (4.5% for Zoloft and 8.7% for Prozac).

Do all antidepressants cause weight gain?

Treatment with antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in general tend to cause weight gain with long-term treatment (more than one year). Overall weight changes depend upon which antidepressant you use. Most antidepressants lead to only modest weight gain which can be addressed with diet and exercise.

• Older antidepressants like the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), for example amitriptyline or doxepin, cause more weight gain than the SSRIs but are infrequently prescribed today for depression.
• Mirtazapine (Remeron), a tetracyclic antidepressant, is known to be associated with significant weight gain. In studies, appetite increase was reported in 17% of patients treated with Remeron, and 7.5% of patients had a weight gain of at least 7% compared to the start of the study.
• In contrast, bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL), an atypical antidepressant, is often linked with weight loss. In studies, between 14% and 19% of patients taking bupropion loss at least 2.2 kg (5 lb) compared to 6% on an inactive placebo.

A large cohort study (136,762 men and 157,957 women) in the United Kingdom looked at electronic health records to evaluate the long-term association between antidepressant prescribing and weight gain. Over 90% of patients had a diagnosis of depression.

Researchers looked at data over a 10-year period to determine the incidence of at least a 5% increase in body weight, and the number who transitioned (based on body mass index) to a status of overweight or obese.

• In the year of study entry, 13% of men and 22.4% of women (mean age of 51.5 years) were prescribed antidepressants, but may have had other diagnoses besides depression.
• Over the follow-up period, those prescribed an antidepressant had an increased risk of at least a 5% gain in body weight compared to those who were never prescribed an antidepressant.
• Weight gain substantially increased in the second and third years of treatment. During the second year of treatment, the risk of at least a 5% weight gain was found to be 46.3% higher than in a general population comparison group. Those originally classified as normal weight were more likely to transition to an overweight or obese category.
• Researchers concluded that antidepressant treatment was associated with a sustained increase in risk of weight gain over at least 5 years.

Why does Zoloft cause weight gain?

• It is not fully clear if weight gain with antidepressants and Zoloft in particular is due to an increased appetite after recovery from a mental health disorder, due to the medicine itself, or some other factor.
• Antidepressants may cause weight gain by interfering with serotonin or histamine neurotransmitters in the brain that control appetite.
• Some antidepressants may cause drowsiness or fatigue that lower levels of activity, leading to weight gain.

References

• Zoloft (sertraline) prescribing information. 9/2021. Pfizer Inc. New York, NY. https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=517#page=1
• Gafoor R, Booth HP, Gulliford MC. Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: population based cohort study. BMJ. 2018;361:k1951. Published 2018 May 23. doi:10.1136/bmj.k1951
• Maina G, Albert U, Salvi V, et al. Weight gain during long-term treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a prospective comparison between serotonin reuptake inhibitors. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004 Oct;65(10):1365-71. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v65n1011.
• Fava M, Judge R, Hoog SL, et al. Fluoxetine versus sertraline and paroxetine in major depressive disorder: changes in weight with long-term treatment. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Nov;61(11):863-7. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v61n1109.
• Hirsch M, Birnbaum R, et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Pharmacology, administration, and side effects. Up to Date. Accessed Jan. 26, 2022 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-pharmacology-administration-and-side-effects
• Bupropion prescribing information (FDA). Drugs.com. Accessed Jan. 26, 2022 at https://www.drugs.com/pro/bupropion.html

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Medical Disclaimer

Does Zoloft cause weight gain?

Learn how to minimize Zoloft weight gain and compare the symptoms to those of other popular SSRIs

Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants. Zoloft is often prescribed as part of a treatment plan, which may include other methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to treat major depressive disorder (depression) or other mental health conditions, including:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder (PD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Zoloft is a popular antidepressant medication. As of 2020, more than 38 million prescriptions have been written for this medication. Many patients want to know if Zoloft will cause weight gain. In fact, one of the most common reasons why people stop taking SSRIs is because of weight gain. Zoloft may cause weight gain with long-term use. It may also cause a slight weight loss in children. Continue reading to learn more about Zoloft and its effect on body weight.

Does Zoloft cause weight gain?

Because everyone is different in their symptoms of depression or anxiety, as well as side effects and response to medication, weight changes due to Zoloft will vary by individual. One person may gain weight while another may lose. Some people eat more when they are depressed, and when they start taking Zoloft and feeling better, they may return to a normal diet and lose weight. On the other hand, some people experience appetite loss when depressed and eat less. Then, when taking Zoloft and starting to feel better, they may start to eat more and gain weight. 

While it is difficult to know how each person will respond to Zoloft in terms of weight gain, we can look at the results of some clinical studies. 

• A 2016 study looked at weight gain in adults after two years of antidepressant use. In this study, people who took sertraline gained an average of 5.9 pounds after two years.
• A review of many studies published in 2017 noted that a small weight loss may occur with short-term use of SSRIs, including Zoloft—in an 8-week study, individuals who took Zoloft lost an average of 1.58 pounds. However, short-term use of SSRIs is very unusual, because most people take SSRIs for at least 6 months—or much longer. The review noted a 2000 study, which looked at people who took an SSRI for up to 32 weeks and found sertraline to cause a weight gain of 1% (this would equate to a 1.8-pound weight gain for someone who weighs 180 pounds). And 4.2% of individuals who took Zoloft gained more than 7% of body weight (which would equate to at least 12.6 extra pounds for someone who weighs 180 pounds). 

In terms of children, Zoloft may affect growth hormones, which may slow growth and cause weight loss. Children who take Zoloft will have their height and weight monitored regularly.

Why does Zoloft cause weight gain?

Weight gain due to Zoloft (or any SSRI antidepressant) is thought to possibly be due to several factors, including: 

• By affecting serotonin receptor activity, which may regulate appetite and weight
• By increasing appetite, especially carbohydrate cravings
• By improving symptoms of depression, and helping appetite return to normal in those who had appetite loss

Other SSRIs and weight gain

SSRI weight gain can occur with other SSRIs besides Zoloft. A 2018 study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) looked at the long-term use of antidepressants and weight gain. The study found that those who took an antidepressant had an increased risk of at least a 5% increase in weight, as opposed to individuals who did not take an antidepressant. Weight gain increased in the second and third years of treatment. The study researchers concluded that antidepressant use increased the risk of weight gain over at least 5 years. 

A 4-year study published in 2017 concluded that SSRI use was associated with weight gain—in combination with certain lifestyle factors including a Western diet, lack of activity, and smoking.  

The 2017 review of studies (mentioned in the section above) noted that some individuals gain what is considered to be an “extreme” amount of weight, which is more than 7% of body weight. Paxil (paroxetine) caused the most weight gain. In the study, 25.5% of people who took Paxil, 6.8% of people who took Prozac (fluoxetine), and 4. 2% of people who took Zoloft (sertraline) gained more than 7% of body weight.  

Another study also concludes that Paxil (paroxetine) may be most likely to cause greater weight gain than other SSRIs during long-term treatment. Interestingly —bupropion, which is not an SSRI, also known by its brand name, Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant that may cause weight loss—and is one ingredient in the weight-loss drug Contrave. 

One study examined adults using antidepressants for 6 to 36 months and found that 55% of people gained weight. Of these, almost 41% gained 7% or more of their weight compared to baseline. The study found Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline) to be associated with significant weight gain—but not Prozac (fluoxetine). The study also found some serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) to cause weight gain, including Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine).  

Although SSRIs and SNRIs may cause weight gain, other types of antidepressants may cause weight gain as well. For example, tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline) or Pamelor (nortriptyline) are well-known for causing weight gain. And Remeron (mirtazapine), which is classified as a tetracyclic antidepressant, is known for causing significant increases in body weight and body fat. 

How to avoid Zoloft weight gain 

Not everyone will gain weight when taking Zoloft or an SSRI, especially if you are aware and proactive. Here are some tips to help avoid weight gain while taking Zoloft—or any antidepressant: 

• First, do not stop taking Zoloft suddenly, even if you start to gain weight. Stopping an SSRI suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms—as well as worsen depression or anxiety. If you have any concerns about your medication, consult your doctor first. You and your healthcare professional will need to consider all options regarding which medication is best and the possibility of weight gain. For example, a weight gain of 3 pounds over several years can be considered insignificant when compared to living with symptoms of depression. However, a larger weight gain caused by an antidepressant could lead to other health problems like high blood pressure, which could require either lifestyle changes or a change to a different drug.
• If you have gained weight, ask your healthcare professional if there could be another cause. The SSRI may not necessarily be the culprit of weight gain. Another medical condition could be the cause.
• Talk to your healthcare professional, or consult a registered dietician, about lifestyle changes, such as incorporating a healthy diet of nutritious foods and an exercise plan that will fit into your life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week, plus two strength-training sessions. This can be done, for example, by walking for 30 minutes, 5 days per week, and adding in two strength-training workouts. You can walk outside, or even around a mall—or check YouTube for thousands of free exercise videos, including walking videos. In addition to helping avoid weight gain, this benefits overall health, too.
• Keep track of your weight while taking Zoloft. This way, you can see if there is a pattern of weight gain, and make changes if necessary.
• If weight gain becomes a problem, or you do not want to take a medication that may make you gain weight, ask your healthcare provider for medical advice about trying a different medication—such as bupropion—with a lower risk of weight gain. 

Ask your healthcare professional for other ideas that are personalized to your individual needs. Working together with your healthcare team, you will be able to find the treatment that works best for your depression or anxiety—while also minimizing weight gain. 

Zoloft and weight loss – Diets For Health Conditions

Are you taking (or thinking about taking) Zoloft for depression but are worried about gaining or losing weight as a side effect? While Zoloft can help improve your mood, it’s important to weigh the potential pros and cons of taking it before making your final decision, especially if you’re struggling to lose weight.

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft, also known as sertraline HCL, is a prescription medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in adults. This drug is also approved for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 who have obsessive-compulsive disorder. While Zoloft may help with psychological health conditions, it is important to be aware of certain weight-related side effects.

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Can I Lose Weight with Zoloft?

Although you are more likely to gain weight while taking Zoloft, weight loss can also occur. You may lose weight while taking this medication if you are burning a lot of excess calories, following a low-calorie eating plan, or both. Nausea and loss of appetite are possible side effects when taking Zoloft, which can help in weight loss efforts. Similarly, a 2016 study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that taking sertraline HCL helped monkeys avoid gains in body weight, insulin, and body fat. Although this study was conducted on animals, the results show that Zoloft can help you avoid gaining extra pounds.

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Does it cause weight gain?

Zoloft may indeed cause weight gain (especially in children and adolescents), as stated on the package label from the Zoloft manufacturer. Various studies have examined the effects of Zoloft (sertraline HCL) on weight gain. For example, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine says that patients who took sertraline were about 6 pounds heavier after a 2-year period. Another study published in 2015 by Psychiatry General Hospital says that sertraline leads to significant weight gain. So keep this in mind when discussing antidepressant options with your doctor, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.

How does Zoloft affect weight gain

You may be wondering why Zoloft can make you gain weight. 2016 edition of Psychology Today says that antidepressants alter appetite by suppressing certain neurotransmitters in the body that regulate appetite. You may feel hungry even when your stomach is full of food, or you may crave carbs or high-calorie snacks. The medicine can also make you feel tired and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep (both of which cause more food and potential weight gain). Medication-induced fatigue also makes it harder to burn excess calories and exercise regularly.

Who is affected by weight gain?

Not all people who take Zoloft gain weight because everyone reacts differently to the medicine. Teenagers may experience the most dramatic effects as weight gain is the side effect listed on the Zoloft package label for this population. But adults can also experience unwanted weight gain.

Zoloft Weight Loss

If you are taking Zoloft and want to lose weight, you may need to watch your calories closely and do some exercise to burn off the extra calories. Because Zoloft may interfere with weight loss, try a calorie-restricted or low-carb, low-calorie diet to control your blood sugar and help your body shed excess weight. A regular exercise program, such as high-intensity interval training three to five times a week, can help you burn calories, lose or maintain weight loss, and provide mental health benefits.

Can I lose weight after stopping Zoloft?

If you are destined to gain weight while taking Zoloft, you may be wondering if the weight will decrease if/when you stop taking the medication. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for some people to lose those extra pounds. Judith Wurtman, Ph.D. Today’s Psychology magazine says that weight gain caused by antidepressants should disappear after stopping the medication for most people, but others remain overweight months or years after quitting Zoloft – and no one knows exactly why. Long-term research is needed in this area. Diet and exercise can help.

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Zoloft and weight loss

When you are trying to lose weight, use Zoloft with caution as weight gain may occur and weight loss may be more difficult due to changes in appetite. If this medicine makes you sick or makes you lose your appetite (or you are restricting your calorie intake), weight loss may occur while taking Zoloft. How this medication affects appetite varies from person to person.

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Taking antidepressants can cause weight gain!

news 06/11/2018

Taking antidepressants can cause weight gain

A new British study shows that you are more likely to gain weight if you take antidepressants.

The discovery surprised mental health experts.

“It’s been ten years now that psychiatrists have known about it, written articles about it, and heard about it from their patients all the time,” says Dr. Brian Keefe, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Zucker Hills Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York, who did not participate. in conducting research.

During the experiment, according to scientists, it turned out that the risk of gaining 2-3 extra pounds in patients who took at least one antidepressant is 21 percent higher than in other subjects.

According to the lead author of the study, it was not possible to prove the existence of a direct causal relationship between the use of antidepressants and weight gain – all that can be said is that there is some connection here, and studying it can help explain the accumulation of fat in the human body .

“It is important to emphasize the following: no patient should stop taking the medicine because of this. If a person experiences any side effects from taking the drug, they should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about it,” says Dr. Rafael Ghafoor, a psychiatrist at King’s College London, who led the study.

According to him, the peak of the likelihood of gaining weight falls on the interval from 2-3 to 6 years of continuous use of antidepressants. Gafur says that while scientists do not know why the weight begins to grow precisely from the 2nd year of taking the remedy, and not earlier.

However, during this period of time, many people manage to gain excess weight or even become obese – when taking antidepressants, the risk of such an outcome increases by 29%.

Researchers say that in people who were already overweight before starting antidepressants, these drugs also increase the risk of obesity by 29%.

According to one of the American doctors, treatment with antidepressants always affects the form of his patients in different ways.

“I’ve seen some people not gain weight, some people gain a lot of extra pounds, and some even lose weight after taking antidepressants,” says Dr. Jamie Cain, director of Northwell Health Hospital’s Weight Management Center Syosset Hospital, New York.

In his opinion, those patients who, while taking antidepressants, notice that their weight begins to increase, should try to adjust their diet and start exercising more often.

In addition, antidepressants, according to Kane, have alternatives – psychotherapy and increased physical activity.

Gafur and his team recruited approximately 300,000 men and women between 2004 and 2014 to conduct the study, 20% of whom were taking antidepressants.

For investigators, a weight gain of at least 5% of previous body weight was significant in any of the study participants.

Research has shown that 11 out of every 100 people who take antidepressants gain weight in a year. Among those who do not take medication, about 8 out of 100 people gain weight.

Those who took antidepressants at 2-3 years of medication had an approximately 46% higher risk of gaining more than 5% of their body weight than those who did not take such drugs.