Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted January 17, 2025

Picture this. You’re doing everything “right.” You’re trying to manage your weight by watching portion sizes, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

But the numbers on the scale won’t go down.

Even worse, you realize they’ve been slowly CLIMBING.

If this sounds familiar, the culprit could be hiding in your medicine cabinet.

Keep reading to discover four drugs that could be a roadblock to your weight loss…

It turns out many common medications—especially those used to treat chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression—could be secretly sabotaging your weight management efforts.

A groundbreaking review published in the journal Endocrinology analyzed data from over 250,000 patients taking common medications.

They found that various medications can cause weight gain between five to 20 pounds!

What’s worse, this often happens so gradually that many people don’t make the connection between the drugs and their growing waist.

Here are some of the most common drugs that could be causing your weight to climb…

• Beta-blockers (blood pressure medications): These meds slow your metabolism and make exercise feel more challenging. Some patients report gaining up to 10 pounds in their first few months of treatment.
• Insulin and sulfonylureas (diabetes medications): While crucial for managing blood sugar, these drugs can promote weight gain by increasing hunger and fat storage. Studies show packing on anywhere from five to 15 pounds while taking these meds isn’t uncommon.
• Antidepressants: Mood meds, particularly SSRIs and tricyclics, can affect both appetite and metabolism. About 25 percent of people taking these medications gain weight.
• Antihistamines (allergy medications): These drugs can increase appetite and make you feel too tired to exercise.

But here’s the good news—you’re not stuck between managing your health condition and maintaining a healthy weight. There are steps you can take to minimize medication-related weight gain:

Work With Your Healthcare Provider

• Never stop or adjust medications on your own
• Ask about switching to weight-neutral alternatives
• Discuss timing your medications to reduce side effects

Adjust Your Strategy

• If your medication increases appetite, focus on high-fiber, protein-rich foods that keep you feeling full.
• If fatigue is an issue, break exercise into shorter, more manageable sessions.
• Keep a detailed food and symptom journal to identify patterns.

Remember, weighing your medication’s benefits against potential side effects is crucial. And keep in mind there are often alternatives that work with your body instead of against it.

The key is to be proactive. If you notice unexplained weight gain, don’t wait months hoping it will resolve itself. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns and come up with a plan.

And another thing…

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SOURCE:
Davidson MB, et al. Impact of Common Medications on Body Weight: A Comprehensive Review. Endocrinology. 2024;165(1):22-35.