Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Antidepressants are known to be linked with weight gain primarily due to their influence on metabolic processes and appetite regulation. Many individuals taking these medications experience changes in their appetite, leading to increased food intake, as well as alterations in energy metabolism. Certain classes of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have a higher propensity for causing weight gain compared to others.

The other medication classes have distinct effects: antibiotics may disrupt gut microbiota but are not typically associated with significant weight gain; stimulants are often used for weight loss and appetite suppression, and anxiolytics can have variable effects, with some potentially leading to modest weight changes but not generally linked to significant weight gain. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective weight management and dietary planning in patients who are prescribed these medications.