Medications that cause weight gain and alternatives in Canada: a narrative review

cause weight gain and

alternatives in Canada: a narrative review

Sean Wharton1,2

Lilian Raiber1

Kristin J Serodio1

Jasmine Lee1

Rebecca AG Christensen1

1

The Wharton Medical Clinic, Toronto,

Canada; 2

School of Kinesiology and

Health Science, York University,

Toronto, Canada

Background: The cause of the obesity epidemic is multifactorial, but may, in part, be related

to medication-induced weight gain. While clinicians may strive to do their best to select

pharmacotherapy(ies) that has the least negative impact on weight, the literature regarding the

weight effects of medication is often limited and devoid of alternative therapies.

Results: Antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihyperglycemics, antihypertensives and corticoste-

roids all contain medications that were associated with significant weight gain. However, there

are several medication alternatives within the majority of these classes associated with weight

neutral or even weight loss effects. Further, while not all of the classes of medication examined

in this review have weight-favorable alternatives, there exist many other tools to mitigate weight

gain associated with medication use, such as changes in dosing, medication delivery or the use

of adjunctive therapies.

Conclusion: Medication-induced weight gain can be frustrating for both the patient and the

clinician. As the use of pharmaceuticals continues to increase, it is pertinent for clinicians to

consider the weight effects of medications prior to prescribing or in the course of treatment.

In the case where it is not feasible to make changes to medication, adjunctive therapies should

be considered.

Keywords: weight gain, weight loss, weight neutral, adverse effects of medications, obesity