Sertraline or other anti depressants and 5:2

[Funnyfishface]

Hi I have been on medication for anxiety for 12 months now and in that time have put on 12 pounds. Mostly around my tummy. Has anyone had any success with losing weight whilst on medication
Please give me your tips
Thank you

[TalkinPeace]

OP
I do not know, but there are certainly other posters who would ....
I'll ask them to pop over ....

[Eatriskier]

Directed over by tip

When I first started out I had been on heavy pain medication for my badly sprained SI ligaments for about 5 months and the weight gain with that was horrendous - I also put 2 dress sizes on in under 3 months

I still had to take these for the first couple of months of 5:2 but it didn't seem to affect my weight loss at all (though I'm freaky anyway). thankfully the pressure my weight was putting on my hips disappeared with weight loss and I got off the pills.

My DM on the other hand loses on this WOE but is on medication that makes her feel constantly hungry and bloats her, so finds that often she loses slowly and really struggles. Though she says she prefers struggling on 2 days a week rather than all 7!

Hope that helps

[Elfina]

Also redirected by TIP

Sertraline is one of the best ADs/AAs for not putting weight on, indeed, its very common to lose weight whilst on it, so I'm wondering whether its the sertraline that's caused the gain. Either way, it is very commonly prescribed to individuals with eating disorders, and I've certainly known them to lose weight on it!

Anyway, it is more than possible to lose weight whilst taking meds. Even if you're affected in such a way that means its a bit slower, then so be it. I'm wondering whether you've had any CBT for your anxiety difficulties? Similar techniques can be used around food and overeating, and would work well with a fasting WOE.

[Funnyfishface]

Elfina - I actually put the weight on whilst on citalopram. I switched to sertraline in September and still have been unable to lose any.
It is definitely caused by medication. I am 47 years old and been same weight for 30 years. It's the only thing that has changed.
My hair has also suffered. Anxiety is much better though

[Funnyfishface]

Yes I have also had cbt and am coping very well. I would like to tackle my weight now. I am 5 ft 2 and 9stone 7. Am usually around 8 stone 7.

[Elfina]

Really pleased to hear that the sertraline and cbt have been helpful.

Yes, citalopram is one for weight gain, and it sounds like switching hasn't been useful for you in terms f weight loss. I don't think you have anything to lose by trying the fast (unless you have medical conditions, etc).

Good luck

[Elfina]

Have your eating habits changed since you gained weight? And you say you've been the same weight since you were 17? I'm just wondering whether your anxiety was keeping your weight low, and now it's improved, you've gained some weight .

[Funnyfishface]

Thanks Elfina
No other medical conditions. Yes my eating habits have changed since gaining weight. I can't seem to satisfy my appetite. I have only suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for the last few years. I was really quite unwell and unable to work for a period of time.
I am now working and got energy back. Can't fit comfortably into any if my clothes and I don't want to start buying size 12. I will give the 5.2 a go.
Thank you

[AdiVic]

Hello - I've been on sertraline for 12 months and have found it fairly easy to lose weight. The medication doesn't seem to have made any difference. I am on the 5:2 diet and it seems to be working - not been on it long, but def not got the appetite I did. Saying that, I had a baby 18 months ago, so the weight was going to come off anyway. I hope you find something that works for you, and good luck with the anxiety