What are the symptoms of drug-induced obesity?

Symptoms of DRUG-INDUCED OBESITY are: (1) Overweight. (2) Unintentional weight gain of more than 2 kg/month. (3) On psychiatric medications or sleeping pills. (4) Taking steroids. (5) Decrease in ambition and motivation. (6) Difficulty sleeping (Insomnia). (7) My calorie intake exceeds my calorie usage

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Reviewed By:

Hidetaka Hamasaki, MD (Endocrinology)

Dr. Hamasaki graduated from the Hiroshima University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University. He completed his residency at the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital and the Department of Internal Medicine, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine. He has served in the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital and Kohnodai Hospital and joined Hamasaki Clinic in April 2017. Dr. Hamasaki specializes in diabetes and treats a wide range of internal medicine and endocrine disorders.

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Learn more about Drug-induced obesity

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is drug-induced obesity?

Drug-induced weight gain is a side effect of many commonly used drugs, such as long-term steroid medication. This often leads to obesity-related health problems. Due to the weight gain, some patients become irregular or discontinue the medication.

Symptoms of drug-induced obesity

Overweight
Unintentional weight gain of more than 2 kg/month
On psychiatric medications or sleeping pills
Taking steroids
Decrease in ambition and motivation
Difficulty sleeping (Insomnia)
My calorie intake exceeds my calorie usage

Questions your doctor may ask to check for drug-induced obesity

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose drug-induced obesity

Do you feel you have put on weight across your whole body (not just around the tummy)?
Do you have unintentional weight gain of more than 2 kgs in one month?
Are you currently taking any medications for psychiatric condition or sleeping pills?
Are you currently taking steroids (e.g. Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone)?
Do you feel you have less ambition, motivation or willpower lately?

Treatment for drug-induced obesity

Medication causing weight gain should not be discontinued without consulting the doctor. Management of weight gain includes dietary changes and exercise. Medications to manage drug-induced weight gain may be prescribed.