Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP
Summary:
- Zoloft® (sertraline) is a commonly-used antidepressant that may cause mild weight changes in some people. It may initially cause weight gain or weight loss, although research has shown mild weight gain on average over several years of treatment.
- Weight gain while taking Zoloft® may result from the way it impacts serotonin, which plays a role in regulating your appetite. But different people have varying responses to this medication.
- Individual factors like lifestyle, diet, exercise, dosage, and length of treatment can also influence weight changes.
- To manage weight on Zoloft®, focus on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and working closely with your healthcare provider.
- Zoloft® can support mental health, and the benefits often outweigh the risk of minor side effects like weight gain.
Zoloft® may help support mental health—but could it lead to weight changes?
Zoloft® (a branded form of the medication sertraline) is a widely prescribed medication for treating anxiety and depression. It’s part of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by altering serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate mood. While effective for many individuals, you might wonder if Zoloft® could cause unwanted side effects like weight gain.
At Lemonaid Health, we’re here to help you make informed choices about your treatment. In this article, we’ll explore whether Zoloft® can lead to weight changes, why this might happen, and what you can do to stay on track with your treatment for anxiety or depression.
Why Zoloft® may cause weight gain
Research suggests that Zoloft® may lead to mild weight changes over time. Other SSRIs also demonstrate the same effect, but the average amount of weight gained on sertraline seems to be higher than some other SSRIs such as Lexapro® (escitalopram). People taking sertraline experienced an average weight gain of approximately 0.5 lbs after six months of treatment, and 3.2 lbs after 24 months.
Related: Will taking Lexapro® make me gain weight?
Because serotonin also affects your appetite, some people taking Zoloft® might be more or less hungry than usual when they start taking it. That means it’s possible to either gain or lose some weight as your body adjusts to this medication.
If you are concerned about possible weight gain from taking Zoloft® or a similar antidepressant, talk to your healthcare provider. A qualified medical professional can help you learn more about this risk and make an informed decision about whether or not the potential benefits of taking Zoloft® outweigh it.
Related: What to expect when starting Zoloft®
Why weight gain on Zoloft® varies between people
Not everyone responds to Zoloft® the same way, and the way it impacts your weight might be different from someone else’s. Here are a few reasons why weight changes aren’t universal:
- Different responses to depression: depression can cause weight gain or weight loss in different people—which could either offset or contribute to the impact Zoloft® has on their weight.
- Individual biology: Some research suggests that biomarkers such as genetics might account for why some people respond differently from others to antidepressant medications, like Zoloft®.
- Duration of treatment: Long-term use may be more likely to contribute to weight gain—research suggests that the most significant weight gain occurs in the second or third year of taking Zoloft® and similar antidepressants.
- Lifestyle habits: Lifestyle factors, like your diet, physical activity, environment, sleep patterns, and stress levels can all play a critical role in weight management while on Zoloft®.
Tips for managing your weight while taking Zoloft®
If you’re concerned about weight gain while taking Zoloft®, these steps can help you stay proactive:
- Follow a balanced diet: Stick to a nutrient-rich eating plan. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommends including lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s also best to control your alcohol intake and avoid foods that have high levels of sugar, saturated fats, or sodium.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This can support weight management when combined with healthy dietary habits.
- Track your habits: Recording your diet and exercise progress can lead to better weight loss outcomes. You might try keeping a paper diary to write down your meals and workouts, or use technology, such as an electronic tracker or digital scale.
- Work with your provider: Your healthcare provider can suggest personalized strategies to help you manage weight while taking Zoloft®.
Your healthcare provider can also help monitor your treatment with Zoloft®, and adjust it if necessary—do not attempt to adjust your dosage of Zoloft® by yourself, and always be sure to take it only as prescribed.
Balancing Zoloft®’s benefits with potential side effects
The potential for minor weight changes shouldn’t discourage you from using Zoloft® if it’s clinically indicated to help manage your anxiety or depression. Research shows that taking sertraline can lead to better mental health-related quality of life.
Remember: your mental health is an important part of your overall health. Self-care can help improve your mental health to some extent—but if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help.
However, the decision to take any medication is highly personal, and should only be made by you and your healthcare provider. Having an open and honest conversation with your care provider about your treatment goals and any concerns you have can make it easier for you to work with them on a plan that prioritizes both your mental and physical health.
Related: Understanding Zoloft®’s side effects
Learn more about taking Zoloft® responsibly with Lemonaid Health
Weight changes can be a consideration for people taking Zoloft®, but they’re often manageable to some degree with the right strategies. By focusing on balanced nutrition, staying active, and partnering with your healthcare provider, you can minimize this medication’s impact on your weight while reaping its mental health benefits.
If you’re considering Zoloft® or want to discuss its side effects, Lemonaid Health is here to help. Our team can provide expert guidance and prescribe medications when clinically appropriate. Start your journey toward better mental health today.
Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Viatris Inc.
