You already know that Alfredo sauce and buttered biscuits can plump you up. So can the drugs you take. In a small percentage of people, medications can work against you by increasing your appetite or making you drowsy so you burn fewer calories during the day. Some of the most common offenders include certain anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-histamines, migraine meds, steroids, some blood pressure meds, and insulin. You should check your weight constantly when you start a new drug and let a five-pound gain be an alarm that something's going wrong, so you can talk to your doc about other options.

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If a required medication does add body weight, ask your doctor if there's an alternative that may not have this side effect. If may be something you have to live with, but there may be ways to counteract it. Again, tell your doctor of your concerns. He or she has probably encountered this problem with other patients and may have a workable solution.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.