Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP
Summary:
- Lexapro® (escitalopram) is an antidepressant that may cause modest weight gain, with studies showing an average of 1.4 lbs gained in the first six months and 3.6 lbs after two years.
- Weight gain may result from increased serotonin levels affecting appetite regulation, though individual responses to Lexapro® vary—some people may lose weight initially.
- Lifestyle factors, such as diet, activity, and sleep, also influence weight, along with how long the medication is used.
- To manage weight while on Lexapro®, focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and working with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and address concerns.
- Consult your healthcare provider to discuss Lexapro®’s benefits, risks, and its role in your treatment plan.
Lexapro® can help with depression—but could it also lead to weight gain?
Lexapro® (a branded form of the medication escitalopram) is a widely used medication for managing anxiety and depression. But if you’re curious about this medication, it’s important to understand how it has the potential to impact your life—including whether or not it could cause physical changes like weight gain.
At Lemonaid Health, we’ve created the following article to help you understand whether Lexapro® can lead to weight gain, and what you can do to manage this if it happens to you. Read on to learn more about this medication so you and your healthcare practitioner can make an informed decision about your depression or anxiety treatment.
How Lexapro® may cause weight gain
Although Lexapro® can help regulate mood by altering serotonin levels in the brain, some evidence also shows that people who take it tend to gain weight. The amounts in question are usually modest—people taking escitalopram gain an average of 1.4 lbs over the first six months of use, and an average of 3.6 lbs after a 24-month period.
But Lexapro® isn’t the only antidepressant medication that comes with this possibility. In fact, weight gain is common among people taking medication for depression.
Why does this happen? Some research suggests that it’s because of the way Lexapro® impacts your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your appetite, along with factors like your mood, memory, and behavior.
Related: Understanding Hunger Signals & Their Role in Weight Loss
Lexapro® belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which cause the amount of serotonin in your system to increase. Increasing serotonin levels in some parts of your brain has been linked to obesity.
Not all people who take antidepressants experience weight gain, but this evidence demonstrates that the risk exists. If you are worried that you might gain weight while taking Lexapro®, bring these concerns up with your healthcare provider.
Individual responses to Lexapro®
It’s important to know that people can respond differently to different medications, and that your individual experience with Lexapro® may not be the same as someone else’s. Some people actually lose a little weight when they start taking this medication, although they may gain it back later.
The length of time for which you take Lexapro® may also play a role in how it affects your weight. Research shows that people who took this medication for two or more years gained more weight than those who took it over six months.
However, it’s essential to remember that taking medication is just one factor that can affect your weight. Your diet, physical activity levels, environment, sleep habits, and other medical conditions can all influence whether you gain or lose weight during treatment.
Related: The Role of Exercise in a Medical Weight Loss Plan
It’s essential to discuss any weight-related concerns with your healthcare provider, whether or not you are taking medication like Lexapro®. They can help you create a sustainable plan to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, provide information on how Lexapro® might fit into your treatment plan, and recommend strategies to manage potential side effects.
In some cases, depression can cause weight gain as well. If you are dealing with depression and concerned about gaining weight, your healthcare provider can work with you to determine whether medication like Lexapro® is more likely to help or hinder your weight management efforts.
Related: How Mental Health Impacts Weight Loss Success
Tips for managing your weight on Lexapro
If you’re concerned about weight gain while taking Lexapro®, your healthcare provider may recommend the following steps to help offset this risk:
- Eat a balanced diet: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 recommends staying within your recommended daily calorie intake while eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. You should also avoid alcohol and foods with high levels of sugar, sodium (salt), or saturated fats.
- Stay physically active: Regular exercise promotes healthy weight management when combined with healthy eating habits. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise each week for best results.
- Monitor your progress: Keeping track of your diet and exercise habits has been linked to more successful weight loss outcomes.
- Work with your provider: Healthcare providers have been shown to help people lose weight through counselling and other interventions.
Learn more about taking Lexapro® with Lemonaid Health
Weight gain can be a concern when taking Lexapro®, but there are things you can do to control and manage this risk. Understanding how the medication works, along with its potential impact on your body, can help you take meaningful steps to maintain a healthy weight.
By prioritizing a balanced diet, staying active, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can maximize the benefits of Lexapro® while minimizing its impact on your weight. This can make it easier to consistently use this medication to treat conditions like depression and anxiety.
If you’re considering Lexapro® or have questions about its side effects, Lemonaid Health is here to help. Our team can provide expert guidance to support your mental health journey and provide appropriate medications in clinically indicated cases. Get started today and learn more about how we can help.
Lexapro® is a registered trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S.
