Front Psychiatry

Antidepressant use tied to significant weight changes over six years

April 1, 2025

Study details: This prospective population-based cohort study included 3,127 adults from the REGICOR study in northeast Spain, with data collected at baseline and after a median of 6.3 years. Participants were categorized into four trajectories of antidepressant use: never use, new use at follow-up, initial use discontinued, and repeated use at both time points. Multivariable linear models were used to estimate the association of these trajectories with percentage weight change and obesity incidence in non-obese participants at baseline.

Results: All trajectories of antidepressant use were associated with greater weight gain compared with never users. Specifically, initial use discontinued was associated with a 1.78% increase, new use at follow-up with a 2.08% increase, and repeated use with a 1.98% increase in body weight. Among non-obese participants at baseline, repeated use was associated with a higher odds ratio for becoming obese.

Clinical impact: Repeated use of antidepressants is strongly associated with weight gain and increased risk of obesity. Consider the potential for weight gain when prescribing antidepressants and integrate weight management and metabolic monitoring into depression follow-up to mitigate these risks.

Source:

Lassale C, et al. (2024, December 24). Front Psychiatry. Trajectories of antidepressant use and 6-year change in body weight: a prospective population-based cohort study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39777198/