CHAPTER 21
DRUG INDUCED
WEIGHT GAIN

DRUG INDUCED WEIGHT gain, specifically from antidepressants and antipsychotic medication is common. There are estimates 25% of all people taking an antidepressant will at some time during treatment experience drug induced weight gain. We were not able to find verifiable statistics with antipsychotic medication, but with the incidence of diabetes being extremely high and other factors commonly seen with prolonged antipsychotic medication usage, the numbers would be as high or higher of weight gain when an antipsychotic medication is used.

There are a number of factors associated with the weight gain and when these factors are addressed, weight loss can begin.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants create insulin sensitivity. Insulin is not allowed into the cells or in some cases the insulin will be too abundant within the cells. Either scenario is not optimum and the ramifications will be detrimental for the body and weight gain is just one of the results. 

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics alter the rate of production and the accumulation of hormones in the body. 

Both antidepressants and antipsychotic medications will activate the JNK gene and this activation is a direct cause of the weight gain and other adverse reactions associated with these medications. The JNK gene has a purpose in the human body to help fight cancer and tumors and other real conditions, but when this gene becomes overly activated it will also kill cells and alter proteins that are not meant to be killed or altered.

The theory of the diet suggested here to combat the drug induced weight gain is to; reverse the unintended JNK activation, balance hormones, balance the adrenals and cortisol, get nutrients going back into the cell that will naturally lead to weight loss. 

A change in the foods you eat and avoid will also have an impact in your ability to lose weight. Many people would be happy to just have the weight gain stop and the weight loss would be a pure bonus. We at The Road Back Program are not satisfied with only stopping the weight gain.

For a full list of foods to eat and avoid, you can go to the web site www.jnkdiet.com. You will also find on jnkdiet.com additional information for weight loss.