anti psychotic medication

[LittleLol]

Hi I am taking the anti psychotic medication, olanzapine. Consequently I suffer from weight gain. No one seems to understand the science underpinning this, but supposedly it affects my metabolism. I have tried losing weight but with no luck.

Does anyone have any experience of this and how they have managed weight gain/loss?

Thanks

[fabfran85]

I have been on anti depressants for years and truly believe they slow down my ability to lose weight. With that said, I still try my hardest and try to put that understanding to the back of my mind so I don't feel hopeless or defeated. I think olanzapine has a tendency to increase appetite so it might be worth calorie counting to see how much you are eating. I don't need to tell you that it is never worth stopping the medication (without doctors advice) as the benefits in terms of mental wellbeing completely outweigh the downsides. I know I would rather be fat and happy (in terms of my mental health) than skinny and depressed 😊

[Milis in reply to fabfran85]

Good for you. It is difficult when successful treatment for one condition causes weight gain. The drug companies are complacent and say to treat the depression first and deal with the eight afterwards. I think they should fund support groups free to their customers. I found that the weight issue was trivialised and the message was that there is no choice. But there is. You can have healthy weight and treatment for depression. Another person on here is taking anti psychotic medication. It is too easy for medics to forget about side effects and reach for the prescription pad. We have to put up a fight for support with regard to manageable side effects. I do not know where to begin but getting acknowledgement that it is universal and not only you who gains weight as a side effect. You are right though, there is a high price for happiness sometimes 😀⭐️

[YellowRose55]

Morning LittleLol

Welcome to the weight loss forum.

I don't use that medication so unable to comment on it but some of our members may be able to help you.

Take a look at the Welcome Newbie post in the Pinned post section at the right hand side or at the bottom if your on a mobile. Have a look at the nhs 12 week plan, many members have had success following this plan. Use the BMI checker to work out your daily calorie allowance.

Have a look at the Daily Diary which you can find on the Home page in Events. It is where all the members are sharing their daily plans on what they are eating and any exercise they are doing. This thread will give you some ideas on how to start.

Below the Pinned posts are the Topics where members share a range of weight related subjects.

Take your measurements at the start together with a photo so you can see the changes on the days the scales don't move.

We have daily weigh ins so why not come along and join us today. You can find the weigh ins on the Home page in the Events section on the right. Just click on the post in Events and record your start weight and any loss/gain or maintain for the week.

To get the most of the forum be active, share tips, recipes and experiences. Read some of the posts they are very motivating.

Have a good first week.

Rose

[LittleLol]

Thanks for your helpful comments. Certainly its hard to get advice on this from the professionals. And yes, medication manufacturers could be more helpful. Maybe by us bringing this topic more into the public domain might focus attention on this problem. Certainly would be good as a research exercise.

I the meantime I am embarking on a strict calore count diet (the commercial diet groups are, in my opinion, not very scientific in their approach) and I will keep you abreast with progress.