Clinically reviewed by Associate Professor Christopher O’Donnell, Nurse Practitioner, FACN · Founder and Clinical Director · AHPRA NMW0001453715 · Last reviewed
Several widely prescribed medicine categories can contribute to weight gain, including some antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, certain diabetes treatments, some blood pressure medicines and hormonal treatments. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Alternatives within the same category sometimes have a different weight profile.
Why this is worth reviewing
Weight gain attributable to a medicine is frequently overlooked, partly because it develops gradually and partly because the underlying condition is the focus of the consultation.
It matters because it is sometimes addressable. Within most categories there are options with differing effects on weight, and where the clinical indication allows, a switch can be considered. That decision belongs with the prescriber, but it cannot happen if the connection is never raised.
Categories commonly involved
This is not a complete list, and effects vary considerably between individuals.
- Some antidepressants, particularly certain tricyclics and some in other classes, though effects differ substantially within each group
- Some antipsychotics, where weight and metabolic effects can be pronounced and are a recognised monitoring priority
- Corticosteroids, especially with prolonged oral use, which also redistribute fat centrally
- Certain diabetes treatments, including insulin and some older oral agents
- Some blood pressure medicines, particularly certain beta blockers
- Some hormonal treatments and contraceptives, where effects vary widely between individuals
- Some antiepileptic and mood stabilising medicines, which differ considerably from one another
The critical safety point
Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own. Several of these treat serious conditions where abrupt cessation carries real risk, including relapse of mental illness, seizures, adrenal insufficiency after corticosteroids, and cardiovascular events after stopping some blood pressure medicines suddenly.
The weight effect of a medicine is one consideration weighed against how well it controls the condition it was prescribed for. Sometimes the right answer is to continue it and manage weight alongside.
How to raise it usefully
A focused conversation is more productive than a general concern.
- Bring a complete list of everything you take, including over the counter items and supplements
- Note when the weight change started relative to starting the medicine, since timing is informative
- Say clearly that you want to review whether any medicine may be contributing, and whether alternatives exist
- Ask what the trade offs would be for any alternative, including how well it is likely to control your condition
- Agree a monitoring plan if a change is made, so the effect can be assessed
Reviewing your medicines with us
A medicines review is a standard part of weight assessment here, precisely because this connection is so often missed.
Our nurse practitioners can review what you are taking, discuss whether any of it may be contributing, and coordinate with your other prescribers where a change warrants consideration. Get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Which medicines commonly cause weight gain?
Categories include some antidepressants and antipsychotics, corticosteroids, certain diabetes treatments, some blood pressure medicines and some hormonal treatments. Effects vary considerably between individuals.
Should I stop a medicine if it is causing weight gain?
Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Abrupt cessation of several of these carries real risk. Raise it with your prescriber so alternatives can be considered safely.
How do I know if my medicine is causing weight gain?
Timing is the most useful clue. Note when the weight change began relative to starting the medicine, and raise that specific timing with your prescriber.
Are there alternatives with less weight effect?
Within most categories there are options with differing weight profiles. Whether a switch is appropriate depends on how well your current treatment controls your condition.
Is a medicines review part of weight assessment?
It should be. Reviewing whether any current medicine contributes to weight is a standard part of proper clinical weight assessment.