Zoloft, the trade name for sertraline hydrochloride, a popular selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication. Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of taking an SSRI. It's impossible to predict how your own body will react to Zoloft, however, so keep a close watch on the scale to see whether pounds start creeping in. If they do, there are steps you can take to stop the weight increase and to lose the excess pounds you've already gained.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage. Doses start at 25 mg per day to treat social anxiety disorder and 50 mg for depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If you're experiencing weight gain or have difficulty losing weight while on Zoloft, ask your doctor about the possibility of trying a lower dosage.
Step 2
Reduce the amount of calories you eat. If Zoloft is causing you to gain weight while eating the same amount of food as you did before, then reduce your portion size, even if it's only by 10 percent. This may not result in weight loss at first, but it should keep your weight steady. Once you find the right amount that controls weight gain, then you can reduce your calories even more to encourage weight loss.
Step 3
Find ways to deal with other side effects. SSRIs are commonly associated with changes in blood sugar, weakness and headaches. These symptoms are more frequent when you don't eat regularly, which is why many patients on Zoloft eat more. Instead of trying to resist the urge to eat, have several small meals during the day, at the rate of one every four hours. This keeps your blood sugar steady and can help you control hunger and overeating.
Step 4
Eliminate high-calorie, high-fat snacks (such as chips and fried foods) and instead eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. A healthy diet will keep you feeling full and energized while allowing you to drop pounds.
Step 5
Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. For weight loss purposes, 60 to 90 minutes is even better. Exercise is also good for your mood and can be an excellent tool in fighting depression. For best results, mix cardio with weight training.
