Are you one of the nearly one-eight adults in the US who should be taking Gabapentin? Or who is already taking it for seizures, shingles-related nerve pain, & restless leg syndrome? Or are you taking it for something else, like OCD or bipolar disorder? Still, you are hesitating because you are worried about gaining weight. Here are some suggestions on how to avoid weight gain on Gabapentin and maintain your health. Everything that can help you control your weight gain has been discussed.
Rarely does someone gain weight; some people may have done so, while others may not have. There is a reason for everything being feasible. In the same way, before talking about how to prevent it, we need to understand the causes of weight gain when taking Gabapentin. To learn the potential causes, read on.
What Causes Weight Gain On Gabapentin?
Gabapentin can sometimes cause weight gain. However, it does so rarely. Only 2% of those using Gabapentin experience weight gain. Weight gain is not the same as peripheral edema, which is a swelling in the legs brought on by a fluid buildup. On average, 8% of Gabapentin users experience this.
By increasing appetite, inducing fluid retention, and impeding physical activity by making you feel exhausted, Gabapentin may cause weight gain. Another reason may be that you don’t exercise enough.
Advice for Avoiding Weight Gain While Taking Gabapentin
The following helpful advice can be used whether you wish to learn how to lose weight while using Gabapentin. But keep in mind that everyone loses weight differently. These are only basic suggestions for weight loss. Even so, age, metabolism, and any underlying medical disorders may all play a role. Always consult your doctor before losing weight or making other medication-related changes. Here are some ways to lose weight resulting from Gabapentin use:
Switching to a Different Medication
Changing medications is the first strategy to think about. If you realize that Gabapentin is making it hard for you to maintain your weight or is making you gain weight.
A doctor may be able to recommend a similar drug that is less likely to result in weight gain if weight gain negatively impacts a person’s health.
Lower Dose of The Drug
In certain cases, it may be feasible to reduce the dosage of the drug and still get relief from the problems it is meant to address. Without first seeing the doctor, you shouldn’t stop taking your prescriptions or lessen the dosage.
Reduce Food Portion Sizes
Gabapentin, like corticosteroids and several antidepressants, increases your appetite, making you feel hungry more frequently. As a result, you may eat more calories than normal. You may gain weight if you do not change your eating habits or exercise.
Limiting your meal quantities while using Gabapentin is an excellent way to lose and maintain weight. You can also see a nutritionist introducing items into your diet. And it will keep you satiated for longer periods, allowing you to avoid overeating.
Increase Your Water Consumption.
For the prevention and treatment of medication-related weight gain. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry suggests that patients drink several large glasses of water every day as part of their diet guidance.
Water helps our bodies in weight maintenance and loss. It is critical to have water before consuming anything. It helps in portion management and maintaining bodily equilibrium. When we feel hungry in the middle of the night, it is often a symptom of thirst. Water is the greatest alternative if you don’t have any food or anything else. Drink water 15 minutes before and after meals to keep your body hydrated. And this is the best solution for weight reduction.
Regular Exercise Is Essential
Gabapentin causes tiredness because it relaxes the nervous system. This may make finding the energy and passion to be active and exercise difficult. Exercise, on the other hand, can help you lose weight by burning fat and raising your metabolism; it also relieves stress and enhances your mood by generating endorphins.
Exercise for at least 30-40 minutes 4 times per week if you want to reduce weight while taking gabapentin. Choose a pleasant hobby to increase your chances of sticking with it. This might range from everyday walks around the neighborhood to yoga and spinning sessions.
Eat More Protein
If medication-related weight gain is a problem, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance recommends boosting protein consumption. Protein keeps individuals feeling fuller for longer.
Sleep Well
For a variety of causes, a lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Perhaps you rely more on sugary lattes to get you through the day. Perhaps you’re too exhausted to exercise or make supper, so you order take-out and then crash later because you’re too full.
A lack of sleep also prevents the frontal lobe of the brain from functioning correctly, impacting our decision-making and impulse control. So, in essence, a lack of sleep raises our chances of making poor decisions, such as eating out instead of preparing a nutritious supper at home.
Also, when you don’t get enough sleep, your cortisol levels rise. This is a stress hormone that informs your body that it needs to save energy. When your cortisol levels are high, you are more inclined to store fat.
Stay Away From Alcohol
Some weight-gaining drugs should not be used with alcohol, Gabapentin is also one of them. People should avoid high-calorie alcoholic beverages to avoid extra caloric intake, even if they are taking a prescription that is safe when combined with alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are high in carbs and empty calories. It can increase your hunger, raise your blood sugar, and induce weight gain. To be safe, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Gabapentin.
Avoid Extra Sugar Consumption
Excess sugar consumption is bad for our health since it increases our risk of diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain. Sugar contains empty calories; they are not satisfying enough to keep you full for an extended period, which may lead to overeating and encourage our bodies to consume more.
Extra sugars raise your blood sugar levels as well. Constantly high blood sugar levels can lead to hyperglycemia, which promotes insulin resistance and contributes to weight gain. When you develop insulin resistance, your cells become resistant to its effects and instead store sugar as fat, resulting in weight gain.
If you want to reduce weight, avoid candies, pastries, drinks, juices, and sugary cereals. While having a treat now and then isn’t bad, consistently consuming too much sugar is.
Consult a Therapist
Lastly, many individuals ignore the emotional connections we have to food. Dopamine is released when we consume something good that provides us delight. This causes the brain to believe, “Hey, we should keep doing that,” so reinforcing the repeated activity.
Weight gain and bad eating habits can be exacerbated by an emotional relationship to food. Another excellent suggestion is to consult with a therapist or a nutritionist about your eating patterns, why you eat specific foods, and how to develop healthy behaviors.
After reading this article, we hope you will get the answer on how to avoid weight gain on Gabapentin. We have tried our best to teach you how to avoid weight gain. For the best results, try to implement all of the tips listed above.