Professor of Psychiatry Laura Fochtmann, MD, was quoted extensively in a January 6 article in Newsday’s
Health section on the use of antidepressants and weight gain. The
article, titled “Antidepressants can raise mood and weight” by Randy
Dotinga, addresses some of the complex relationships between the use of
antidepressants and changes in weight.
Dr. Fochtmann is quoted
as saying, "The bottom line is that there are no straightforward answers
to the challenges of weight gain with antidepressants. Each individual
has a unique set of symptoms, circumstances and feelings about weight
and weight gain."
Dr. Fochtmann noted that weight gain may be
more risky for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or
high blood pressure. She recommended that people who gain weight while
using antidepressants consider consulting with a registered dietician as
well as initiating a conversation about it with their psychiatrist or
primary care physician.
