The Surprising Reason You Might Be Struggling to Lose Those Last 10-20 lbs..
- Michael From The GLP-1 Source
- Feb 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 5
If you feel like you’re doing everything right: eating well, exercising, maybe even working with a trainer or nutritionist, but the scale just won’t budge, you’re not alone.
There’s one surprisingly common culprit behind that stubborn weight that most people don’t even consider. And no, it’s not your metabolism, menopause, or a lack of effort. It could actually be your medication, specifically, antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds.
I see this all the time with people who are frustrated because they’re working so hard but not seeing results. And the wild part? Many of them don’t even realize their medications might be playing a role.
Wait, My Medication Could Be Making Me Gain Weight?!
Yes. And not just any medications, we’re talking about some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, like:
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) – Examples include Prozac, Lexapro, and Paxil.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) – Examples include Effexor (Venlafaxine) and Cymbalta.
Now, before you panic... This doesn’t mean you should stop taking your medication (seriously, don’t do that without talking to your doctor!). But if your weight has been creeping up since starting or increasing your dose, it’s worth taking a closer look.
How This Actually Happens
Someone comes in, frustrated that they can't lose weight despite doing everything “right.” So doctors dig in. They check labs, thyroid levels, sleep habits, and everything looks fine. Then we go back through their medical history, and suddenly, it clicks.
Their weight gain started right around the same time they were prescribed (or increased their dose of) an SSRI or SNRI.
This isn’t a rare occurrence. It happens all the time, and the frustrating part? The weight doesn’t always just fall off when you stop taking the medication.
Some antidepressants like Paxil are especially known for weight gain. I'm not a doctor, but based on my research, I wouldn’t recommend Paxil unless someone has found it to be the only thing that works for them and they fully understand the potential risks. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions about medication.
Why This Affects Women Even More
A lot of women start these medications during perimenopause or menopause, a time when their body is already going through changes.
So what happens?
They assume the weight gain is from hormonal shifts, when in reality, it’s their medication causing the problem.
Many women will say, “I swear menopause made me gain 20-30 pounds overnight!” But when they go back and check, they started an antidepressant around the same time, and that’s what actually triggered the weight gain.
This makes it even more frustrating because:
They’re dealing with menopausal symptoms.
They’re trying to manage their mental health.
The medication helping them feel better might also be making weight loss harder.
Should You Stop Taking Your Medication?
If you’re reading this and realizing, “Oh no, this sounds like me…”, don’t stop your medication on your own.
These meds can be lifesaving, and for many people, the benefits outweigh the risks. But it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects, so you can make an informed decision.
Here’s what I recommend instead:
Talk to your doctor – If you suspect your medication is affecting your weight, ask if there are alternative options that might be more weight-neutral.
Focus on what you can control – Prioritize strength training, protein intake, and movement to help counteract any metabolic changes.
Be realistic – If you need the medication, weight loss might be slower, but it’s still possible. Understanding this from the start can help reduce frustration.
Is There a Way to Avoid This?
For those who haven’t started an SSRI or SNRI yet but are considering it, this is your chance to be proactive.
Try everything else first before going straight to medication. That means:
Moving your body regularly
Prioritizing sleep
Seeing a therapist or coach
Managing stress
Taking breaks from social media (seriously, get off your phone and go for a walk. It’s life-changing!)
If you’ve done all that and you and your doctor still feel that medication is the best choice for you, then at least you’re making an informed decision, knowing there’s a chance it could impact your weight.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been struggling with weight that won’t budge despite doing all the right things, take a look at your medication history. When did your weight start creeping up? Did it happen around the time you started or increased an antidepressant?
If so, that could be a big piece of the puzzle. This doesn’t mean you should stop your meds, but it does mean it’s worth talking to your doctor and coming up with a plan that helps you manage both your mental and physical health.
At the end of the day, your well-being is what matters most, so if you need the medication, take it. But if you’re in that “not sure” stage, explore all your options first before jumping in.
Eating too much… or not enough? Let our calorie calculator help you find the right balance.
Hope this helps! Let me know if this resonates with you!
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