Im a pharmacist 6 medications that will low-key make you fat

Talk about a heavy dose.While the bulk of news coverage is focused on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic that cause weight loss, licensed pharmacist Dr.Kati Forbes has spotlighted six medications “that’ll low-key or high-key make you fat or make you gain weight.”Perhaps the most surprising is an over-the-counter drug that’s incredibly popular for allergic reactions.Histamine, a chemical in our immune system involved in allergic response, also decreases appetite.So, according to the Obesity Medicine Association, “it makes sense an antihistamine would have the opposite effect” and can “interfere with the ‘I’m full’ signal … and lead to overeating.”Speaking to The Post, Forbes notes that first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl and cyproheptadine — which is also used as an appetite stimulant — can cause weight gain, particularly with long-term or continued usage.“Paroxetine (Paxil), an antidepressant, is one of the more sedating SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) used for depression, anxiety/OCD etc.,” said Forbes.SSRIs increase levels of the “feel-good” chemical serotonin in the brain, and Forbes calls Paxil one of the worst offenders when it comes to weight gain.

Forbes’s insights on the relationship between antidepressants and weight gain come amid growing antidepressant use, especially among young adults and teens.Subscribe to our weekly Post Care newsletter! Please provide a valid email address.

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One study found that about 14% of US adults take an antidepressant. The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (HPHCI) notes that people often stop using the drug if they experience weight gain.Several psychiatrists in major New York hospitals told The Post they avoid prescribing Paxil as it causes more weight gain and sexual dysfunction than similar drugs — and ...