Are Antidepressants Making Us Fat?
Is there a Link Between Antidepressants and Obesity?
(PRWEB) April 26, 2005
Weight gain is a common side effect with many antidepressants, mood stabilizers and anti-psychotic medications. Are these pills that are prescribed so readily making our society obese?
All antidepressants have the potential to cause weight gain and yet most people seem unaware that weight gain is one of the most common side effects associated with Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zyprexa and many other behavioral drugs until it is too late. Ironically, this common side effect causes an increase in depression as it can seriously impact self-esteem.
The explosion in the rate of obesity in the United States occurred after the mid 1970’s – when the introduction of antidepressants and mood stabilizers became widely used. Current statistics indicate that obesity has increased 100% in men and 50% in women. Ironically, anti-depressant sales have risen 800% in the last ten years. Recent statistics show that 40% of the American public has taken an anti-depressant. This does not include the use of anti-psychotics and anti-anxiety drugs, such as sleeping pills – making the total number of drugged Americans into the tens of millions.
All antidepressants slow the metabolism and inhibit specific enzymes in the liver that allow the drug to function correctly. Many antidepressants are also known to increase appetite and the craving of carbohydrates. Additionally, many antidepressants are also shown to cause hormonal changes, which can further add to weight gain.
Weight gain from antidepressant usage is more common then you might think.
If you have gained 20 or more pounds, within a short amount of time, it is being caused by a change in your metabolism. If you were a poor metabolizer initially, it will certainly be impacted by an antidepressant. Even those that were considered an ultra-metabolizer can gain weight on behavioral drugs.
This was certainly the case with Alesandra Rain, the co-founder of Label Me Sane, an organization that inspires audiences worldwide in the arena of drug education. Alesandra was prescribed psychoactive drugs after multiple surgeries due to a car accident and after being driven bankrupt by an ex-husband who was a con artist. Her story is one that Hollywood movies are made of and motivates the masses.
Label Me Sane was formed after Alesandra tried to quit her medications and suffered terrifying withdrawal symptoms. It brought her to an awareness of the pervasiveness of mass-drugging today. After withdrawing from the drugs she was able to regain full health, including a normal weight. Now the company educates while also helping untold numbers withdraw without the horrific side effects she suffered.
“We are here to offer solutions. We are contacted daily by people who want to get off the drugs but have failed either trying to taper or quit cold turkey. Our goal is to help them regain their lives while withdrawing from the drugs,” stated Ms. Rain.
Their program is simple and unlike anything on the market today. Their success rate is unmatched and offers simple solutions that can be implemented anywhere in the United States.
For more information contact www. labelmesane. com or call toll free 866.628.6135.
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