The prolonged use of antidepressants is linked to weight gain

A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, in which IDIAPJGol has participated, highlights the importance of monitoring weight in patients undergoing these treatments

 

The prolonged use of antidepressants is associated with significant weight gain. This is revealed by a study in which IDIAPJGol has participated, detecting an average increase of over 2% in body mass among individuals who regularly take these medications, attributable to their intake. Published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, the study highlights the importance of monitoring weight in patients undergoing this type of treatment. The findings are based on the follow-up of weight changes and antidepressant treatments in 3,127 adults over six years.

This study is set within a global context where obesity is an increasingly significant public health issue and the use of antidepressants has risen considerably in recent decades. The authors emphasize the need to integrate weight monitoring and metabolic follow-up into depression treatment guidelines to prevent potential side effects.

The article points out that there is an ongoing debate about whether weight gain is directly caused by antidepressants or if it is influenced by depression itself and other associated factors. Although the research team adjusted the study for aspects such as lifestyle and depressive symptoms, the results suggest that the medication could be responsible for the weight gain. Rafael Ramos, researcher at IDIAPJGol and co-author of the study, emphasizes that “it is very important to monitor the weight of patients undergoing prolonged antidepressant treatment to implement preventive measures as soon as this potential side effect is detected.”

REGICOR Cohort

The study is based on data from the REGICOR cohort, which has tracked a sample of patients over six years to analyze the relationship between weight changes and antidepressant use. The research team established four patient profiles based on their antidepressant consumption: individuals who had never taken these medications, intermittent initial users, new users, and continuous users. Using statistical models, they analyzed the relationship between these profiles and weight change.

 

Article reference

Lassale C, Lugon G, Hernáez Á, Frank P, Marrugat J, Ramos R, Garre-Olmo J, Elosua R. Trajectories of antidepressant use and 6-year change in body weight: a prospective population-based cohort study. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Dec 24;15:1464898. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1464898. PMID: 39777198; PMCID: PMC11703859.