Yes, it can be hard to lose weight on lithium because it often causes increased appetite, thirst (leading to sugary drinks), and metabolic changes, with about 20% of users experiencing weight gain, though some research suggests it's less than other bipolar meds. Managing weight involves addressing increased thirst with water, eating smaller meals, regular exercise, and consulting your doctor about diet, activity levels, thyroid function, and potential medications like metformin.
Hormonal changes caused by the medication may affect metabolism, resulting in slower fat burning and, ultimately, more stored energy as body fat. “Approximately 20% of users gain weight with Lithium due to the adverse effects causing increased appetite, thirst, and constipation.
About one in every four people experience rapid weight gain from taking the mood stabilizer lithium, as reported by Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. Based on the research conducted on this issue, the average weight gain that people who take lithium experience is usually between ten and twenty six pounds.
Get some exercise
Depending on the type of exercise you do, physical activity can help boost your metabolism to lose weight or at least prevent further weight gain. Exercise also helps lift your mood and lower anxiety without the additional side effects of mood-lifting medications like antidepressants.
People with mental illness can safely and effectively take Ozempic or other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) drugs without it negatively impacting their mental health or the use of antidepressants, according to an international review presented at the European Congress on Obesity.
Treatment of lithium-induced weight gain includes non-pharmacological measures such as exercise, avoidance of liquid calories and restricted calorie intake,14) as well as several medications that have been useful for psychotropic-induced weight gain.
One of the more common concerns people mention is weight gain. And yes, lithium side effects can include physical changes, especially when it comes to your metabolism, appetite, or fluid retention.
Are there any foods and drink I need to avoid? You can eat and drink normally while taking lithium. However, it's best to avoid a low-sodium (low-salt) diet as this can increase the levels of lithium in your blood and increase the chance of getting side effects.
Lithium may also affect the levels of certain hormones that regulate metabolism, such as insulin and leptin, leading to changes in energy expenditure and the accumulation of body fat.” In addition to causing a heartier appetite, lithium can lead to sodium retention, which can cause bloating.
Taste changes and cravings
Research has shown that in some bipolar patients, weight gain occurs with lithium monotherapy because lithium alters their taste. This side effect causes cravings for beverages and food that are salty, fatty, or sugary.
Withdrawal symptoms following lithium discontinuation including heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances and irritability remain controversial. Relapse of the primary illness following lithium discontinuation is a well documented serious complication.
Notes for Consumers: Caffeine may decrease the effectiveness of Lithium. It is advisable to limit your caffeine intake (including teas, coffees, colas and non-prescription or herbal medicines containing caffeine) while taking Lithium. Report any changes in mood or emotions to your health care provider.
It is available as a dietary supplement and is commonly found in drinking water and in many foods, including grains, vegetables, mustard, kelp, pistachios, dairy, fish, and meat. At daily doses between 0.3 to 5 milligrams, it could theoretically protect the brain, but the evidence is limited.
Lithium salt, taken either in two times, morning and evening, or in one, must be absorbed at the end of a solid meal with at least 25 cl. of water. The patient must absorb at least 1.5 l. of water per day, and up to 3 l.
Common side effects
To help with weight gain, eat healthy foods, get regular physical activity and talk with a mental health professional if needed. Keep working with your healthcare professional to manage your bipolar symptoms and your weight.
Results indicate that such a course of lithium in normals induces dysphoric mood change and psychomotor slowing, without significant relationship to either plasma or RBC lithium concentrations.
How is lithium toxicity treated?
Healthy eating and a suitable amount of physical activity are givens. Research suggests that the quality and quantity of your sleep, surprisingly, influences appetite and weight gain. Creating and sticking to routines has powerful benefits for maintaining wellness when you live with bipolar.
Finding Your Ideal Diet
Excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol or chocolate may be more likely to contribute to mood disturbance. Foods such as such as vegetables, fruit, oil-rich fish and whole grains may be more likely help with stability.
Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. It was originally used as a short-term medication to jump-start weight loss, but now newer medical guidelines have added it to long-term therapy. Some patients may lose about 5% of their body weight by taking phentermine.
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking lithium. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication. Avoid low sodium diets and dehydration because this can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome.
Certain diet changes
That's because certain foods and beverages can influence lithium levels and side effects in your body. This includes your intake of caffeine, salt, and alcohol. Caffeine can decrease lithium levels in the blood, which could lead to a less effective treatment.