It is not uncommon for people to gain weight for seemingly no reason or to find it difficult to lose weight despite a strict diet. Even if even experts cannot give one hundred percent reasons why some medicines make people fat, it is nevertheless a fact that some tablets can be bad for the figure. 

 

Those who strictly observe calorie intake as well as sufficient exercise may find the blame for weight gain in the medicine cabinet. Often the doctor can reduce the dose or prescribe a substitute medication.

The fattening drug groups include:

Tablets for depression that contain paroxetine or cetalopram. The more figure-friendly alternative contains the active ingredient buproprion. Certain antidepressants increase appetite, while those that affect the hormone dopamine tend to inhibit hunger.

Tablets for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Strong beta-blockers like metroprolol and atenolol can cause weight gain. A mixture of alpha and beta blockers like carvidelol can be a good alternative. The weight gain is probably due to the slowing down of the metabolism by the beta-blockers.

Remedy for allergies. The antihistamine diphenhydramine can make you fat. Instead, medicines with the antihistamine loratadine or cetirizine are recommended. The two alternatives contain weaker active ingredients and thus reduce the risk of excessively tightening the appetite.

Important: Do not change medication or dose on your own. Always talk to the doctor first!