Will you lose weight after discontinuing Lithium?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Will you lose weight after discontinuing Lithium?
It is highly unlikely for a person to lose weight after discontinuing Lithium. Lithium-induced weight gain does not go away that easily and you need to make efforts to do so.
Experts believe that people may need to make major lifestyle changes to lose all the pounds that Lithium made them put on. However, this may not be enough for some people.
Studies have suggested that some doctors may end up prescribing Metformin to help their patients get rid of Lithium-induced weight gain (1). Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider about this. Do not stop Lithium without your doctor’s approval.
If it is making you gain a significant amount of weight and you’re concerned about it, stopping it abruptly will not solve your problem. In fact, it will worsen the entire situation and you may start to experience some other disturbing side effects.
Only your healthcare provider can help you figure out the safety and efficacy of future use of Lithium. If there are more risks than benefits, your doctor will switch you to another medication.
Research studies on Lithium-induced weight gain
Research indicates that a significant number of patients undergoing lithium prophylaxis experience weight gain, with a considerable portion becoming clinically obese (2). This weight gain can negatively impact treatment adherence and pose health risks.
While the exact mechanism behind lithium-induced weight gain remains unclear, it is suggested that increased calorie consumption, particularly through high-calorie beverages, may play a role (2). This can also result in belly bloating and an overall increase in belly fat.
Another research study indicated that Long-term administration of lithium is associated with weight gain, which poses challenges for treatment adherence. (3)
Another research study involved 15 inpatients diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. The aim of the study was to monitor the effects of Lithium on Leptin levels, a hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate food intake and energy balance (4).
Fasting serum leptin levels were measured at the beginning and after eight weeks of lithium treatment, along with assessments of body mass index, weight, symptom severity, and serum leptin levels.
The results showed a significant difference in leptin levels following lithium treatment. These findings suggest a potential association between leptin and lithium-induced weight gain (4).
How to safely lose weight after Lithium discontinuation?
There are a few promising ways of losing weight after Lithium discontinuation. These include:
Consult with your healthcare provider
Before starting any weight loss plan, discuss your intention with your doctor. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and offer recommendations tailored to your needs.
A gradual and sustainable approach
Focus on gradual weight loss rather than quick fixes. Aim for a healthy and sustainable rate of weight loss, typically 1-2 pounds per week. This allows your body to adjust and minimize the risk of negative health effects.
A balanced and nutritious diet
Adopt a balanced and nutritious eating plan that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid crash diets or extreme calorie restrictions, as they can be detrimental to your health.
Portion control
Pay attention to portion sizes to ensure you’re consuming appropriate amounts of food. Avoid mindless snacking and practice mindful eating by listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
Regular physical activity
Incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Engage in activities you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Try to work out for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises.
Stay hydrated
Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to support your body’s functions and promote a feeling of fullness.
Final words
To sum up, you can’t lose all the weight Lithium made you gain simply by discontinuing the medication. You need to put in some effort to achieve a safe and healthy weight loss.
Remember, everyone’s body is different, so it’s essential to listen to your own needs and consult with healthcare professionals. Patience and consistency are important, and prioritizing your overall well-being is crucial throughout the weight loss process.
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References
1.-
Praharaj SK. Metformin for Lithium-induced Weight Gain: A Case Report. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2016 Feb 29;14(1):101-3. doi: 10.9758/cpn.2016.14.1.101. PMID: 26792047; PMCID: PMC4730928. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12378122/
2.-
Chen Y, Silverstone T. Lithium and weight gain. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1990 Jul;5(3):217-25. doi: 10.1097/00004850-199007000-00007. PMID: 2230066. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2230066/
3.-
Baptista T, Teneud L, Contreras Q, Alastre T, Burguera JL, de Burguera M, de Baptista E, Weiss S, Hernàndez L. Lithium and body weight gain. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1995 Mar;28(2):35-44. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-979586. PMID: 7624385. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7624385/
4.-
Atmaca M, Kuloglu M, Tezcan E, Ustundag B. Weight gain and serum leptin levels in patients on lithium treatment. Neuropsychobiology. 2002;46(2):67-9. doi: 10.1159/000065414. PMID: 12378122. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12378122/
