Does citalopram make you fat? (+6 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this brief article, we will discuss one of the common side effects of citalopram. Citalopram, as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, can be associated with weight changes. We will also discuss factors that contribute to weight changes and ways to manage this side effect.
Does citalopram make you fat?
Yes, citalopram can cause weight gain in some individuals while using it. Weight gain may indicate improvement for individuals who have experienced weight loss as a symptom of depression. However, weight gain can be disturbing for patients who typically overeat and gain weight during depressive episodes.
Significant weight gain can occur during the acute phase of treatment with citalopram. If weight gain continues even after the full remission of depressive symptoms, this usually indicates that it is a side effect of the medication.(1)
It’s important to note that responses to the medication vary from one person to another. Some individuals may experience significant changes in their weight while others may not
Factors that contribute to weight gain while using citalopram?
There are no definitive studies on the actual pathophysiology of weight gain as a side effect of citalopram. However, some factors may contribute to weight gain while using citalopram. These factors include (2):
- Increased appetite: Citalopram works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, as a result, serotonin enhances mood, appetite and sleep.
- Metabolic changes: Citalopram interferes with metabolism. It can alter the metabolism rate or make the process of burning calories harder. Citalopram can also elevate the liver enzymes.
- Improved mood: Citalopram enhances mood, energy levels and overall well-being. This can lead to increased activity and appetite.
- Lifestyle factors: If the patient has a poor diet and lack of exercise, then the patient is more likely to gain weight while using Citalopram.
- Water retention: Some individuals may experience water retention as a side effect of citalopram, leading to temporary weight gain.
- Hormonal effect: Changes in serotonin levels might influence hormones related to appetite and metabolism, leading to weight changes.
What does the research suggest?
Clinical studies show that weight gain is a long-term side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants.
One clinical study results show that over 6 months of using citalopram, there is a >7% increase in body weight. Another study results show that in a clinical series out of 18 patients using citalopram for mixed anxiety and mood disorder, 8 patients had an average weight gain of 15.7 IB (7 Kg) after receiving Citalopram for 5 weeks (1). Moreover, a 12-month study of Citalopram showed that 4.7% of 541 patients reported weight gain greater than 5 Kg.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2006 found that citalopram had a modest weight gain side effect compared to other SSRIs. However, the weight gain observed in the study was relatively small. However, results varied from one person to another.(3)
How to manage weight gain while using citalopram?
To effectively manage your weight while taking citalopram, you must work on a combination of lifestyle changes including monitoring your diet and consulting with your healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Some general tips that help manage weight gain include:
- Healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet and limit the consumption of processed foods, high-sugar foods and high-calorie snacks.
- Regular physical activity: Exercise not only helps you to manage your weight, but also it helps to enhance mood and overall well-being.
- Limitation of Alcohol and sugary beverages: They can greatly contribute to weight gain. (4)
- Consult a registered dietitian: A nutritionist can create a personalized meal plan specific to your needs.
- Regular monitoring: Continuous check-ups on your body measurements are important to always be aware if there is a big change so that you take action.
- Discuss medication options: If changes in your diet and your lifestyle had no positive results on your weight, then consult your doctor to make adjustments to the medication or prescribe alternative treatments.
In summary, some individuals using citalopram may experience weight gain as a side effect of the medication. The body responses of each individual vary from one another so not everyone would experience weight gain. Although there is no exact mechanism for citalopram to cause weight gain, it is mostly associated with appetite, metabolism and lifestyle.
In my opinion, you can manage your weight gain by diet and exercise and it is always a better option to seek the advice of your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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References
1.-
Ferguson JM. SSRI Antidepressant Medications: Adverse Effects and Tolerability. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2001 Feb;3(1):22-27. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v03n0105. PMID: 15014625; PMCID: PMC181155.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181155/#i1523-5998-003-01-0022-b18
2.-
Ramsey LB, Aldrich SL, Poweleit E, Prows CA, Martin LJ, Strawn JR. Racial Differences in Escitalopram/Citalopram-Related Weight Gain in Children and Adolescents: A Natural Language Processing-Based Electronic Medical Record Study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019 Mar;29(2):162-163.
3.-
M Fava – Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2000 – psychiatrist.com
https://www.psychiatrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/18681_weight-gain-antidepressants.pdf
4.-
Gafoor R, Booth HP, Gulliford MC. Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: population based cohort study. BMJ. 2018 May 23;361:k1951. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964332/
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