Does Abilify Cause Weight Gain? — Talkspace

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic treatment used to deal with signs associated to psychological well being situations corresponding to despair, bipolar dysfunction, and schizophrenia. It works by balancing out the degrees of particular chemical substances within the mind which might be considered unbalanced in folks with these and different situations.

It’s no secret that almost all medicine can have undesirable unwanted side effects, and Abilify (aripiprazole) isn’t any exception. While it’s not an opposed impact, weight acquire is a standard concern for a lot of when making an attempt a brand new treatment. But does Abilify trigger weight acquire? While, sure, Abilify could trigger weight acquire, analysis reveals it’s not as vital as different antipsychotic medicine. 

It’s important to know the potential dangers, together with weight acquire, related to any drug earlier than beginning it, so let’s take an in-depth have a look at Abilify weight acquire — why it might happen and tips on how to keep away from weight change if doable. Learn all you should find out about Abilify and weight acquire proper right here.

Why Does Abilify Cause Weight Gain?

Though it’s not totally understood why it causes some folks to realize weight, there are a number of doable explanations for Abilify weight acquire. We do know that in some instances, weight acquire can occur repeatedly over time. Some of the primary elements which will contribute to the connection between Abilify and weight acquire embody:

• Increased urge for food: As talked about above, one of many major methods this psychiatric treatment works is by altering neurotransmitter ranges. Specifically, Abilify blocks dopamine receptors within the mind, which may trigger a rise in urge for food resulting in overeating or cravings for unhealthy meals.
• Metabolic adjustments: Another rationalization is that metabolic adjustments can happen when taking Abilify, which may decelerate metabolism and end in extra energy being saved as fats slightly than burned off as vitality.  
• Hormonal imbalances: It’s doable that hormonal imbalances attributable to Abilify might contribute to weight acquire as nicely, since hormones play a major position in regulating our metabolism and starvation ranges.
• Less need to work out: One of the unwanted side effects of Abilify is it will probably trigger you to be drowsy, which could hinder your motivation on the subject of understanding. 
• Genetics: Genetics can play a giant position in physique sort and the chance of gaining weight. Therefore, some persons are extra naturally susceptible to weight acquire than others. 

How a lot weight do you acquire from Abilify?

Abilify weight acquire can depend upon a number of elements, together with age, gender, life-style habits, and different drugs you could be taking. Generally talking, individuals who take Abilify would possibly acquire anyplace from 1 – 10 kilos all through the antipsychotic therapy. 

Some research present that for individuals who did expertise weight acquire after taking Abilify, it was a mean of seven% (or extra) of their physique weight after they began taking the antipsychotic drug. Other analysis, although, reveals that when used short-term, Abilify weight acquire was simply over 2 kilos.

It’s necessary to notice that some folks may not expertise any weight change, whereas others may even see vital will increase of their physique mass index (BMI). Weight acquire and different unwanted side effects of Abilify fluctuate from individual to individual.

How to Avoid Weight Gain on Abilify

“There are ways to control the antipsychotic induced weight gain by Abilify: portion control, maintaining a regular exercise routine, reducing the dosage, keeping track of your weight, and talking to your doctor about medications that may help.”

– Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, CMHIMP

If you’re involved about vital weight acquire whereas taking Abilify, there are a number of steps you possibly can take to assist offset the danger:

Eat wholesome meals

Eating wholesome meals primarily consisting of lean proteins, like fish or rooster, and fruit and veggies may also help preserve your calorie consumption underneath management with out sacrificing vitamin or taste. You also needs to attempt limiting processed snacks, like chips or sweet bars, that comprise empty energy however no dietary worth.

Exercise usually

Regular train helps burn extra energy, so get no less than half-hour per day if doable. Even simply going for a stroll round your neighborhood can positively have an effect on your bodily and psychological well being, so don’t underestimate the profit.

Monitor your weight

Keep observe of your weight when taking any psychiatric treatment which will trigger weight acquire. Keeping an everyday document of your physique mass index (BMI) will enable you to determine any adjustments in your physique composition early on and alter accordingly. If you discover your BMI rising greater than anticipated, discuss along with your physician about methods to handle the scenario earlier than it turns into a much bigger drawback.

Talk to your physician

If, regardless of following the following pointers, you continue to discover weight change after beginning a therapy plan that features Abilify, it is best to converse to your physician about adjusting the dosage or switching drugs altogether if obligatory. Different medicine can have completely different unwanted side effects, so a unique treatment may not trigger acquire weight. Your physician additionally would possibly recommend life-style adjustments like decreasing alcohol consumption or quitting smoking — these habits have been linked to an elevated threat of weight problems even with out taking drugs.

“You are in control, so keeping a food diary, purchasing healthy foods, or working with a nutritionist can help you prevent weight gain.”

– Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, CMHIMP

Find Out If Abilify Is Right for You With Talkspace Psychiatry

Talkspace’s on-line psychiatry provides customized care from licensed professionals who specialise in serving to sufferers handle their psychological well being by means of therapy tailor-made in the direction of particular person wants — irrespective of the place they reside or work. With Talkspace Psychiatry’s assist, you may get an correct evaluation of your situation and discover ways to proceed when contemplating remedies like Abilify on-line. All with out ever having to depart house. So don’t wait — begin getting assist right now by scheduling an appointment.

We additionally present on-line remedy companies that can assist you perceive and handle your signs. Let us assist information you on the trail towards higher psychological and bodily well being! Get related with a healthcare supplier right now.