Does Lithium Cause Weight Gain? — Talkspace

Lithium is a generally prescribed medicine for treating bipolar dysfunction and different psychological well being situations. Like any medicine, there are unwanted side effects of Lithium, so it’s not unreasonable to marvel does Lithium trigger weight acquire? Many individuals who take Lithium expertise a rise in physique weight, though how a lot varies from individual to individual.

Understanding why Lithium causes weight acquire is significant so you’ll be able to higher handle your signs if taking this medicine. Lithium works by strengthening the nerve connection in locations of the mind the place temper, thought, and habits regulation happen. It’s doable that when neurotransmitters turn into imbalanced as a result of modifications attributable to Lithium, they could trigger elevated urge for food that results in vital weight acquire over time.  

Weight acquire from Lithium remedy can differ relying on dosage, how lengthy you are taking Lithium, and different elements. Read on to be taught every thing you want about Lithium and weight acquire. 

Does Lithium Cause Weight Gain?

Does Lithium make you acquire weight? Yes, Lithium may cause weight acquire. It’s a standard facet impact of the drug and could be vital in some folks. Weight acquire from Lithium can fluctuate broadly between people relying on dose, period of remedy, and if some other medicine are taken on the identical time.

How a lot weight do folks acquire on Lithium?

There is not any definitive reply about how a lot Lithium weight acquire you may count on. Studies recommend that as much as 20% of people that take Lithium might observe substantial weight acquire, as much as 22 kilos or extra. 

Why Does Lithium Cause Weight Gain?

It’s not completely clear why Lithium may cause weight acquire, but numerous theories have been instructed. For instance, Lithium might trigger elevated urge for food that may result in overeating and weight acquire. Another idea is {that a} change in metabolism may have an effect on fat-burning processes. There can also be the concept that hormonal modifications, like thyroid hormones, may be attributable to the drug and end in weight acquire. 

Potential causes for weight acquire on Lithium may embrace:

Edema  

Edema, a kind of bloating, stands out as the offender behind weight acquire related to Lithium use in some folks. Lithium may trigger fluid retention, resulting in swelling within the fingers and ft.  

Increased urge for food

Research has related Lithium remedy to weight acquire typically introduced on by a rise in urge for food which may end up in appreciable weight acquire over time.

Constipation 

Constipation could be a facet impact of the drug. This may additional exacerbate the difficulty of weight acquire because it slows down digestion and makes it tougher for the physique to soak up vitamins from meals correctly.

Taste modifications and cravings and elevated thirst

Changes in style preferences are an element which will contribute to elevated weight acquire from Lithium use. Almost all individuals in a single examine reported elevated thirst as a result of Lithium. This could be linked to weight acquire when ingesting high-caloric drinks. 

Hormonal modifications

Hormonal modifications attributable to the medicine might have an effect on metabolism, leading to slower fats burning and, in the end, extra saved power as physique fats.

“Approximately 20% of users gain weight with Lithium due to the adverse effects causing increased appetite, thirst, and constipation. If you have any concerns, make sure to reach out to your doctor.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, Ph.D, LCSW

Does Lithium Weight Gain Go Away?

Weight acquire may end up from taking Lithium, but it surely’s not essentially everlasting. In some instances, the burden acquire from Lithium could be misplaced after stopping remedy. Studies present that Lithium weight acquire appears to peak throughout the first 2 years of taking this psychiatric medicine. Many folks will then see their weight stabilize after that. 

How lengthy does weight acquire from Lithium final?

Generally, Lithium weight acquire begins quickly after remedy initiation. It might persist for as much as 6 months, with some people persevering with to expertise will increase past that interval if they continue to be on the medicine. After that, many individuals discover that their weight stabilizes or decreases barely. However, some people might expertise continued weight acquire past 6 months if they continue to be on Lithium remedy.

How to Avoid Gaining Weight on Lithium

“The Lithium weight gain will regulate itself within the year. However, if this is a concern, here are some ways in which you can control the Lithium weight gain: #1 exercise, #2 drink more water, #3 get enough sleep, and #4 discuss weight gain with your doctor.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, Ph.D, LCSW

You can take these measures to keep away from gaining weight whilst you’re taking Lithium. 

• Eat wholesome: Eating wholesome meals like fruits, greens, complete grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy merchandise may also help forestall weight acquire from Lithium. Avoid processed meals and sugary snacks which will contribute to weight acquire. 
• Exercise recurrently: Exercising recurrently is a crucial a part of any wholesome life-style — and it’s crucial for those who’re taking a drugs like Lithium. Aim for at the very least half-hour of average bodily exercise most days of the week. This may embrace strolling or biking round your neighborhood or doing yoga at residence with a web-based video tutorial.
• Watch your portion sizes: Even when consuming nutritious meals, portion management is essential when attempting to keep up a wholesome weight whereas on medicine like Lithium. Try utilizing smaller plates in order that your parts seem bigger than they’re.
• Monitor your weight recurrently: Keeping monitor of your progress by weighing your self weekly (or extra typically if vital) provides you with a greater thought of how a lot — if any — weight you may be gaining from being on Lithium. Tracking your physique weight over time will will let you make changes accordingly earlier than issues get out of hand.

If, after making these life-style modifications and monitoring your progress intently, the psychiatric medicine isn’t serving to handle signs with out inflicting undesired unwanted side effects akin to vital weight acquire, then it’s essential to talk together with your physician about different choices. This manner, symptom administration objectives, and desired aesthetic outcomes could be achieved collectively.

Whatever you do, don’t stop the medicine chilly turkey. It’s really useful that you just converse to a physician first to keep away from Lithium withdrawal.

Talk to Your Doctor About Lithium Side Effects

Lithium could be a useful bipolar medicine that may enhance your psychological well being. Though it will probably successfully deal with signs, it would result in weight fluctuations that ought to be mentioned with a physician. If your weight acquire from Lithium remedy is critical, your physician may attempt adjusting your dosage or switching drugs.

If you’re involved about potential Lithium weight acquire or seeking to get a prescription for Lithium on-line, an on-line psychiatrist at Talkspace may also help. So take step one in direction of a more healthy life-style and attain out to Talkspace right now.