New Research Reveals Varied Weight Gain Risks of Common Antidepressants

Millions of Americans rely on antidepressants to manage depression, a condition affecting roughly 14% of U.S. adults. However, weight gain is a common side effect that can discourage people from taking their medication or adhering to long-term treatment.
Bupropion Stands Out: The latest research by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute sheds light on weight gain risks associated with different antidepressants. Individuals taking bupropion for depression were found to be 15-20% less likely to experience significant weight gain compared to those on sertraline, the most prescribed antidepressant.
Variation Within Classes: Surprisingly, the study revealed variations in weight gain risks within the same class of antidepressants. For instance, sertraline showed a lower risk of weight gain compared to other SSRIs like escitalopram and paroxetine, which had a roughly 15% higher risk in the first six months.
Real-World Data: Researchers analyzed electronic health records from over 183,000 adults who were new antidepressant users across eight U.S. healthcare systems participating in PCORnet. This real-world data provided valuable insights into the weight gain variations among different antidepressants.
Addressing Limitations: While randomized controlled trials are ideal for drug comparisons, they can be costly and time-consuming. This study overcame this limitation by mimicking a randomized trial using well-designed methodology and real-world data analysis.
Lead author, Joshua Petimar, MD, emphasized the significance of discussing weight gain concerns with healthcare professionals. Understanding the differences in weight gain risks among various antidepressants enables informed treatment decisions that cater to individual needs and preferences.
Weight gain is a crucial consideration, but it should not be the sole factor in selecting an antidepressant. Individual response to medication, additional side effects, and underlying medical conditions should also be taken into account for tailored treatment plans.
This groundbreaking research opens doors for further investigations into the mechanisms behind the varying weight gain risks associated with distinct antidepressants.