Abilify And Weight Gain: Will It Make You Fat?

Posted by Brett Slansky | 4:31 AM | 0 comments »

By Jess Vaught


Abilify does cause weight gain in some people. While a small weight gain in not uncommon, many people report substantial weight gain while taking Abilify. Because excessive weight can cause a host of health and social concerns, it is critical to minimize it as much as possible. Furthermore, excessive body fat decreases the body's ability to metabolize energy.

How much weight someone might gain while taking Abilify is impossible to predict. Some people actually report they have lost weight while taking Abilify. However, this is probably a small percentage.

A study recorded children patients taking medications in the same class as Abilify gained about one pound per week. After eleven weeks the average weight gain was nearly ten pounds and two inches around the waist.

The risk of diabetes increases with each pound a person is overweight. If someone is twenty pounds overweight, the risk of diabetes increases substantially as does the risk of high blood pressure, cardio disease and stroke. If you must take Abilify and find yourself gaining weight, your doctor may prescribe a medication to increase your energy and metabolism.

Some people have complained about how difficult it is to lose the weight they gained while taking Abilify. Others claim they cannot lose the weight at all. The reason Abilify causes weight gain is probably because Abilify makes the tissues of the body resistant to insulin much like diabetes does.

A body that is resistant to insulin creates a critical situation in the blood. Excess sugar is left circulating throughout the blood stream. If the extra sugar is not dealt with quickly it can damage the organs of the body. To avoid damage to the body, the liver filters the sugar out of the bloodstream.

However, when the liver cleans the sugar out of the blood, it stores it as fat on the belly. This naturally packs on the pounds and may eventually lead to diabetes if not corrected. This is why it is critical that you tell your doctor about any weight gain you experience. It may also helpful to monitor your blood sugar. This is easily done with a glucometer available at most drug stores.

A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and a reasonable mood management strategy will not only minimize weight gain, it will also elevate your mood. Proper sleep, daily exposure to sunshine and social support will further help you manage depression as well as give you energy to enjoy life. The more you can use natural means to address depression and mood disorders the less medication will be needed.




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