Many medications can cause weight gain—the list is quite extensive. Always ask
your physician for a natural alternative before he or she prescribes a drug you
may have to take on a long-term basis. I make it a habit to exhaust all natural
alternatives before prescribing a drug for any prolonged period of time. You will
be surprised that many diseases can improve with a good diet and natural
alternatives alone. However, don’t stop any medications before consulting your
physician.
SYNTHETIC HORMONES
Synthetic female sex hormones, such as Premarin and Prempro, make you gain
weight. The list also includes many oral contraceptives. Read more about
bioidentical hormones and how they can help you. If you’re a woman who takes
contraceptive pills, consider using condoms or a diaphragm instead.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
These drugs often have serious side effects, one of which is weight gain.
Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most
likely offenders, especially paroxetine (Paxil). Check if you have a hormonal
problem causing the depression, such as low sex hormones or cortisol. If all are
normal, take SAMe. A study examining the natural substitute SAMe showed that
it was just as effective as other antidepressants with no weight gain or sexual
side effects.
DIABETIC DRUGS
The list of diabetic drugs is quite extensive and includes insulin. As discussed,
it’s important to get off insulin injections if your body is still able to make
insulin. Oral medications may be sufficient.
If you’re on an oral diabetic drug, it’s important to ask your doctor how the
drug works. Many diabetic drugs promote insulin secretion, which can lead to
weight gain. Drugs that increase insulin sensitivity, such as Metformin, should
always be prescribed first, rather than drugs that promote insulin secretion.
Discuss this with your physician since insulin resistance is the real underlying
issue in the early stages of diabetes. If you need insulin, watch your diet more
carefully to decrease insulin demand.