Lexapro and weight gain

Speakeasy76
Speakeasy76 Posts: 961 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey everyone! First time posting here (and really, joining the forums).

Since COVID, I decided to finally try and lose those last 10 pounds instead of gain them! I was doing it slowly with lots of ups and downs, but progressing. I've also been dealing with mild anxiety and depression for quite some time, so finally decided to go back on Lexapro in mid-late July. I knew about the weight gain and did notice initial appetite increase, but still seemed to be losing. I even finally met my goal weight a few days before my birthday (9/13). I then gained some weight, which was to be expected because birthday cake, but it keeps going up! Today, I was 6 pounds higher than 3 weeks ago!

I know part of this is due to weight fluctuations with hormones, but this is really discouraging. I continue to track and am still keeping things about the same. This is really discouraging, but do know the Lexapro is helping with my anxiety--especially work-related.

Thoughts and/or success stories while on Lexapro?

Replies

  • lizitaloo
    lizitaloo Posts: 3 Member
    edited September 2020
    Honestly, going on Lexapro actually made it easier to lose weight. I stopped using food to make me feel better. I have lost 20 lb since starting it in July.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Between ovulation and some other factors, I was up 7 pounds this month. Do give it a week or so :)

    I find moderate exercise very helpful for my anxiety and depression, and an appetite suppressant as well.
  • asthesoapturns
    asthesoapturns Posts: 313 Member
    Log your food, and stay under or at calories and you won't gain. Lexapro doesn't magically make you gain weight, it triggers appetite and food cravings. How you respond to these will dictate your weight. Be sure you eat filling foods to help.
  • Speakeasy76
    Speakeasy76 Posts: 961 Member
    edited September 2020
    Well, I was done 2.2 pounds this morning and feel and look less bloated. I know during ovulation I've gained up to 5 pounds before. I've been continuing to log my food and staying at or under calories, according to my Fitbit. Initially I felt my appetite increase, but now most side effects have generally subsided (or I"m tolerating them better). I've also been doing more heavy weight/low rep schemes during my strength training, so wondering if that's had anything to do with temporary weight gain. I do know, that modest weight gain with SSRI's is common, and while the fact that they can increase appetite (especially if depression caused a decreased appetite), it's not 100% clear if that's the reason for weight gain in some people.
    What's interesting is that whenever I go on vacation and eat more/exercise less (but still am somewhat active), I always lose weight.

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