Millions of Britons taking common antidepressants face unexpected long-term weight gain according to a major new study that could reshape how doctors approach mental health treatment.
The Startling Findings
Research from King's College London has uncovered that patients on widely prescribed antidepressants continue to gain weight for at least six years after starting treatment. The comprehensive study analysed data from over 50,000 UK patients, revealing patterns that challenge current understanding of these medications' side effects.
Which Medications Pose the Greatest Risk?
The research identified significant variations between different antidepressant types:
- Mirtazapine showed the strongest association with weight gain
- Citalopram and Sertraline demonstrated moderate effects
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) appeared weight-neutral in long-term use
Lead researcher Dr. Rafael Gafoor emphasised the importance of these findings for clinical practice: "This isn't about stopping necessary medications, but about making informed choices and implementing preventive measures."
Why This Matters for Patients
With approximately 8.6 million antidepressant prescriptions issued in England alone during 2022-2023, these findings have profound implications. Weight gain can lead to additional health complications including diabetes, heart disease, and further mental health challenges.
A Call for Proactive Monitoring
The study authors recommend that doctors should:
- Discuss potential weight changes before prescribing
- Implement regular weight monitoring during treatment
- Consider referring patients for nutritional support
- Evaluate medication choices based on individual patient profiles
Professor Glyn Lewis from University College London, while not involved in the study, noted the significance: "This provides crucial evidence we've been lacking about long-term antidepressant effects."
As the medical community digests these findings, the conversation around mental health treatment is set to evolve, balancing the undeniable benefits of antidepressants with their potential metabolic consequences.
