Does Zoloft cause weight loss by decreasing your appetite? 

Does Zoloft cause weight loss by decreasing your appetite? 

Yes, Zoloft can cause weight loss by decreasing your appetite. It can also make food undesirable for you by causing some gastrointestinal side effects, which are quite commonly reported with this antidepressant. 

When people begin to eat less, their bodies start to burn fat to make up for the energy requirement. This can cause weight loss over time. 

However, Zoloft can also increase appetite or trigger sugar cravings in some people and make them gain a lot of weight, which can also spike their blood sugar. It may also indirectly increase cholesterol levels in some people. It may also affect cortisol levels.

Some individuals may also experience binge eating or begin to eat too fast, which can also trigger hiccups.

Some people may also gain water weight while taking Zoloft, as it can rarely cause edema. The side effects of Zoloft totally depend on what your symptoms are and how your body reacts to this antidepressant. 

Research studies on Zoloft-induced appetite suppression

There are a number of research studies on the effects of Zoloft (Sertraline) on weight and appetite. Although the entire class of SSRIs are known for causing weight gain in people, some people may actually lose weight.

One research review indicated that Zoloft is amongst the serotonergic appetite suppressant drugs which reduce appetite through the effects of the monoamine excitatory chemical serotonin (1). According to the study, the metabolites of this medication can also suppress hunger.

Another research study performed a clinical trial in which participants lost weight because of appetite suppression after taking Sertraline for a few weeks. However, the participants were kept on a low-calorie diet (2). 

Zoloft can also affect the sense of taste in some people, which can also reduce appetite and ultimately lead to weight loss. Zoloft-induced changes in body weight and energy levels can affect physical performance, which could be troublesome for people who remain active, like athletes.

What to do if Zoloft makes you lose weight by suppressing your appetite? 

There are a few things that you can do if Zoloft decreases your appetite and makes you lose weight. These include:

Consult your healthcare provider 

The basic approach to reverse this side effect is to talk to your healthcare provider. Decreased appetite can lead to malnutrition, which can make you feel even more miserable. 

Good food is fuel for your body and it’s the most important key to early recovery from both your mental health illness and the side effects caused by Zoloft. 

This is why you should never settle for this side effect and do everything you can to provide your body with all the important nutrients it needs. 

Don’t take Zoloft on an empty stomach 

If you find food undesirable because of the way it makes your stomach hurt, it indicates that Zoloft is damaging your stomach. The best way to avoid such gastrointestinal side effects is to take this antidepressant in the middle of your meals. 

This way your stomach will not be empty and the presence of food will guard your stomach against the corrosive effects of increased stomach acidity. Additionally, OTC meds like acid reducer and Gas-X can help with Zoloft-induced acid reflux or bloating/flatulence.

Consume liquid calories 

If Zoloft makes you lose your appetite and you can’t make yourself eat anything, then try to consume calories in the form of liquid. Experts believe that drinking calories is easy when you’re not hungry and it doesn’t make you feel that full. 

You can drink soup, bone broth, milkshakes, smoothies, fresh juices, etc. Your body needs calories to convert into energy or else it will not perform well physiologically. 

Focus on a good breakfast 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you should focus on that even if you don’t feel hungry. This is because a good breakfast will Kickstart your day with high energy levels and it comes with amazing health benefits.

A high-protein breakfast is considered an ideal one. You can add foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, oats, milk, cheese, fresh juices, etc to your breakfast routine. 

Exercise 

Exercise is not only important for losing weight, but it is extremely important for strengthening your entire body. It can boost your metabolism and improve digestion. 

This can help you a lot with Zoloft-induced loss of appetite as you’ll surely feel hungry after a steamy workout session. 

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References

1.-

Garattini S. An update on the pharmacology of serotoninergic appetite-suppressive drugs. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1992 Dec;16 Suppl 4:S41-8. PMID: 1338385. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1338385/

2.-

Wadden TA, Bartlett SJ, Foster GD, Greenstein RA, Wingate BJ, Stunkard AJ, Letizia KA. Sertraline and relapse prevention training following treatment by very-low-calorie diet: a controlled clinical trial. Obes Res. 1995 Nov;3(6):549-57. doi: 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1995.tb00189.x. PMID: 8653531. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8653531/

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