Your Medication May Affect Your Appetite More Than You Think

Ever wondered if your medication is influencing your appetite? It can. 

Changes in your hunger, whether it’s an insatiable urge to snack or a sudden disinterest in food, can be linked to the medications you’re taking. But if you’re on a weight loss journey, it’s easy to focus only on diet and exercise while overlooking the potential impact of your medication. 

Even though your doctor carefully considered the pros and cons of your medication before prescribing it to you, it’s equally important for you to advocate for your own well-being and recognize how that medication could affect your body. So let’s take a closer look at some common types of prescribed medications that may affect appetite — and explore what to do if you notice a change.

7 Medications That Can Impact Your Hunger

1. Antidepressants

Antidepressants that help manage mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can have a mixed impact on your appetite. For some, taking antidepressants can reduce appetite, while others notice an increase in their hunger. It’s worth noting that these effects may change depending on how long you take the medication.

2. Steroids

Corticosteroids, often used to treat conditions like asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, have a consistent reputation for increasing your appetite. They do this by altering the levels of hunger hormones in the body. So, when you’re on steroids, do your best to stick to a balanced diet to minimize weight changes.

3. Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medications, often prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are well-known for their tendency to cause weight gain. These medications not only can slow down your body’s metabolic processes, reducing your ability to burn calories efficiently, but can also increase your appetite, potentially leading to metabolic side effects. 

4. Diabetes Medications

The majority of diabetes medications are designed to help regulate blood sugar levels and often have neutral or appetite-suppressing effects. However, some individuals may experience increased appetite as a side effect of high-dose insulin therapy. Medications like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), are well known to curb appetite. 

5. Stimulants

Commonly prescribed for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulant medications such as methylphenidate or amphetamine-based drugs can suppress appetite as a side effect. This can result in weight loss, which might be a concern, particularly for those who are already underweight.

6. Allergy Medications

Both over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications have been associated with weight gain, primarily due to two factors. First, they can interfere with the signals that indicate satiety, disrupting the “I’m full” sensation from your brain, stomach, and gut. Second, these medications may induce drowsiness, potentially reducing your overall activity level and therefore calorie expenditure.

7. Prescription Weight Loss Medications

Medications like phentermine or orlistat are prescribed explicitly to reduce appetite or limit the absorption of dietary fats to aid weight loss.

How Quickly Do Medications Change Appetite?

The speed at which medications can alter appetite varies widely. Some medications, such as stimulants for conditions like ADHD, can lead to rapid and noticeable changes, with appetite suppression occurring shortly after taking the medication. In contrast, drugs like antidepressants or mood stabilizers may take a few weeks before any noticeable impact on appetite becomes apparent, as they work by altering brain chemistry over time. 

The onset of appetite changes can also depend on individual factors, including genetics and overall health. The specific medication type and dosage, as well as the duration of use, also play significant roles in the timing of these effects. Yet it’s essential to remember that not everyone will experience appetite changes, and the extent of these changes is highly individual. 

If you have concerns about how a medication is affecting your appetite, discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they can provide guidance on managing these effects and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

What Should You Do if Your Medication Changes Your Appetite?

If you’ve noticed that your medication is changing your appetite, don’t worry; there are steps you can take to address it.

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: The first and most crucial step is to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. Tell them about the appetite changes and any side effects. They’ll guide you on the next steps, whether it be adjusting your med, switching it, or something else.

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Regardless of your changes in appetite, continue to enjoy a balanced and nutritious diet as best you can. Eating a variety of foods helps to make sure you meet your nutritional needs and avoid any deficiencies.

Keep an Eye on Your Weight: While it’s not encouraged to obsess over the scale, it can be a good idea to check it occasionally to be able to know your unique trends. If you notice a sudden drop or gain in weight around the same time as a new medication has begun, that’s definitely a reason to have a chat with your doctor.

Prioritize Fluids: Don’t forget to drink enough water. Sometimes, your body confuses thirst with hunger, so staying properly hydrated each day is important. Plus, hydration also helps your energy levels.

Stay Active: Regular physical activity is a good habit for a healthy lifestyle. It can help manage changes in appetite and minimize weight gain. Exercise can also boost your mood, which is an added benefit.

Find a Dietitian: If you find it challenging to manage changes in appetite due to your medication, consider seeking help from a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can provide personalized dietary strategies to help you feel better supported.

Keep a Journal: Keeping a food journal can be a helpful way to track your eating habits and identify any patterns related to medication-induced appetite changes. It’s a great way for your healthcare provider to get a clearer picture of your day-to-day habits.

Be Patient: Remember that medication adjustments and the body’s adaptation to changes in appetite can take time. Stay patient and communicate regularly with your healthcare provider to find the right balance between managing your condition and maintaining a healthy appetite.

Don’t Forget ...

Medications can have a significant impact on your appetite and, subsequently, your weight. But they also can be a vital part of helping you and your body function at its best. So chat openly with your healthcare provider to find that sweet spot between treating your medical condition and keeping your weight in check. Keep in mind that finding the medication or dosage that works for you might require a bit of trial and error before you get it just right.

 

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

• Gill H, Gill B, El-Halabi S, et al. Antidepressant Medications and Weight Change: A Narrative Review. Obesity: A Research Journal. October 6, 2020.
• Puckett Y, Gabbar A, Bokhari A. Prednisone. StatPearls Publishing. July 19, 2023.
• Dayabandara M, Hanwella R, Ratnatunga S, et al. Antipsychotic-Associated Weight Gain: Management Strategies and Impact on Treatment Adherence. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. August 22, 2017.
• High Blood Sugar and Hunger. American Diabetes Association. May 2022.
• Wilding JPH, Batterham R, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The Journal of New England Medicine. March 18, 2021.
• Farzam K, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A, et al. Stimulants. StatPearls Publishing. July 2, 2023.
• Antihistamines and Weight Gain. Obesity Medicine Association. June 4, 2020.
• Top Weight Loss Medications. Obesity Medicine Association. September 5, 2023.
• Eiselt AK, Chen S, Chen J, et al. Hunger or Thirst State Uncertainty Is Resolved by Outcome Evaluation in Medial Prefrontal Cortex to Guide Decision-Making. Nature Neuroscience. May 10, 2021.
• Zhang N, Du SM, Zhang JF, et al. Effects of Dehydration and Rehydration on Cognitive Performance and Mood Among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: A Self-Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. May 29, 2019.