How To Lose Weight On Lithium

Lithium, a drug used to treat certain blood disorders and some mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, is associated with weight gain. It may only cause weight gain in people who are already obese, according to a 2006 study published by Charles L. Bowden and colleagues in the American Journal of Psychiatry. This effect may occur because of changes to the hormone leptin, which plays a role in regulating appetite, reports a 2002 study published by Murad Atmaca and colleagues in Neuropsychobiology. When people treated with lithium are provided with dietary advice at the start of treatment, however, risk of weight gain is significantly reduced, according to a 2003 study published by R. Holt and Eleni Maunder in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

Step 1

Begin an exercise regimen, or increase the level of your current routine. Exercise burns calories and increases metabolism. Try to get 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorously intense cardio three days a week, recommends the American College of Sports Medicine. Don't forget to do eight to 10 strength-training exercises twice a week.

Step 2

Make changes to your diet. Increase your intake of low-calorie, high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Choose sources of protein with healthy fat, like nuts and seeds. Limit red meat and consume fish and poultry in moderation. Limit high-fat, processed foods like packaged baked goods, candy and chips.

Step 3

Talk to your doctor. Bring up the idea of combining low doses of more than one medicine, recommends Jim Phelps, M.D. on PsychEducation.org. This strategy has less risk of weight gain, he says.

Step 4

Ask your doctor if there is another medicine you can add to your treatment regimen that will blunt the weight gain effects of lithium. For instance, the anticonvulsant topiramate, or Topamax, leads to weight loss in many cases, according to Phelps.

Step 5

Determine if the benefits you receive from the medicine outweigh the negative effects. Consider switching to a medication that does not increase risk of weight gain as a last resort. Lamotrigine, or Lamictal, is also used to treat bipolar disorder and does not carry a risk of weight gain, according to the 2006 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry.