Hormone drugs cause weight gain

Many diseases require oral administration of hormone drugs, which will produce good results in a short period of time, so many people choose to use hormones, but there are also cases of weight gain due to hormone drugs. The reason why taking hormone drugs can cause weight gain is that these drugs stimulate appetite and increase food intake. In addition, hormone drugs can also affect the balance of hormone levels, leading to obesity.

Everyone knows that eating more and not exercising can easily lead to weight gain. In fact, weight gain is also a common side effect of some drugs, mainly in the following situations.

Stimulate appetite: hormones, anti-allergic drugs

Anti-allergic drugs such as cyproheptadine, as well as corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone, can increase appetite and affect body weight. Generally, short-term use has little effect. Those who need to take it for a long time should adjust their dietary structure. While increasing their food intake, they should avoid eating too much high-fat and high-sugar food, and eat more vegetables and fruits.

Affecting hormone levels: sleeping pills, birth control pills

Sleeping pills such as diazepam and estazolam may affect the release of steroid hormones in the body and make people gain weight, but the effects on individuals vary. Those who need to take them for a long time can consult a doctor to choose the appropriate dosage, or choose other drugs. Contraceptive pills containing ingredients such as megestrol, levonorgestrel, and norgestrel may cause weight gain, but most women take them for a short period of time and the impact on weight is limited. In addition, new contraceptives with drospirenone as the main ingredient have less impact on body weight, so women should not refuse to take them for fear of gaining weight.

Changing body metabolism: glucose-lowering drugs

Diabetic drugs such as glibenclamide (Glyburide), rosiglitazone, and insulin can affect the endocrine system and improve the body's metabolic levels. Long-term use can easily lead to weight gain, but doctors will consider the pros and cons and inform you before prescribing the medicine. If you find that you have gained a lot of weight, you can take metformin and other drugs as prescribed by your doctor to reduce your appetite and control your weight.

In addition, taking antidepressants can cause weight gain, especially amitriptyline, which may cause a weight gain of more than 7% after long-term use. Fluoxetine has anorexic and weight-loss effects in the early stages of medication, but generally does not make people fat. Blood pressure medications such as metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, and some anti-epileptic drugs may also cause weight gain.

The weight gain caused by drugs is relatively limited, and generally can be gradually recovered after stopping the drug. However, during the period of taking the drug, it is recommended to eat small meals frequently, eat appropriate amounts of whole grains and other foods rich in dietary fiber, and perform aerobic exercise reasonably. Patients who need to use antihypertensive and hypoglycemic drugs for a long time should also control their weight through diet and exercise. If your weight exceeds 2.5 kg within one month after taking the medicine, or increases by more than 5% in a short period of time, you should see a doctor in time and adjust the medicine according to the doctor's instructions.