Antidepressant Use and Weight Change Over 6 Years
Author Information
Author(s): Lassale Camille, Lugon Gabriela, Hernáez Álvaro, Frank Philipp, Marrugat Jaume, Ramos Rafael, Garre-Olmo Josep, Elosua Roberto
Primary Institution: Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
Hypothesis
What is the association between different trajectories of antidepressant use and changes in body weight over six years?
Conclusion
Repeated use of antidepressants is strongly associated with weight gain, while new and discontinued use is also linked to weight gain but not significantly to obesity incidence.
Supporting Evidence
- 24.5% of participants gained more than 5% of their body weight over six years.
- Repeated use of antidepressants was associated with a 2.06 odds ratio for becoming obese.
- Weight gain was most pronounced in women and younger individuals.
Takeaway
Taking antidepressants can make you gain weight over time, especially if you keep using them.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 3,127 adults over six years, assessing their antidepressant use and body weight changes.
Potential Biases
Potential classification bias in reporting antidepressant use and residual confounding from unmeasured factors.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported medication use and could not assess the trajectory of different subclasses of antidepressants.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults aged 55.6 years on average, with 54.4% being women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.75, 3.20
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website