Antidepressants can cause weight gain, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is especially true of older tricyclic antidepressants known as MAOIs. Weight gain usually occurs over time and is likely to be significant, especially for people who start gaining from their first week on medication. Although weight gain is likely while taking antidepressants, not everybody experiences it, so it's important to talk to your doctor to make sure it's the medication causing the weight gain rather than another problem or medical issue.
Step 1
Ask your doctor to switch you to a different medication. If you're still taking antidepressants, are in the weaning-off process or might need to take them again in the future, discuss options with your health practitioner. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are less likely to cause weight gain than are other antidepressants.
Step 2
Start a supplement combination of Omega 3 fish oils, calcium, vitamin D and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). While there are no definitive studies that prove any single supplement can help with weight loss, people seem to be able to lose more weight when taking these particular supplements, according to the book, "Lose the Weight Gain Caused by Antidepressants," by James Harper.
Step 3
Start an exercise program. If you're already working out, up the intensity. This speeds up your metabolism, which might have slowed down while you were on antidepressants, and helps your body naturally shed the pounds. Combine both cardio and resistance training for best results. Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes four to five times a week.
Step 4
Reduce the number of calories you eat on a daily basis. Do this by using an online calorie database and calculating how much you consume, or simply eliminate empty calories such as sodas, pastries, fried foods and fatty snacks, which are usually high in calories, fats and sugar.
