What Causes Weight Gain While On Lithium?

Posted on Sat, 28 Oct 2017

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 Answered on

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My son is on Lithium and I have noticed that he is gaining weight mainly in his stomach. It looks distended--like a dramatic beer belly in someone middle age except that he is not drinking beer and has always been a fit athlete before the past six months--not prone to weight gain at all. In fact he was recruited a year ago to be a model by a New York agency. He is in his mid twenties now. So am wondering if the manner in which he is carrying his weight with the greatly enlarged belly and how fast he has put it on is a sign of anything metabolically awry and drug related?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lithium could be cause for weight gain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

First of all I like to inform you that weight gain is one of the common side effect of lithium and it is possible that weight gain is related to lithium intake.

However I also like to clarify that lithium often increases the body weight to the mild to moderate extent and severe weight gain is uncommon with lithium intake.

In my opinion it will be appropriate to get investigated before concluding the cause of weight gain. I hope this helps you.

Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

What would you consider moderate weight gain in a period of two months?
Can answer in terms of a percentage of body weight increase over his normal weight for a 26 yr old male.
Secondly, is there anything he could take to speed his metabolism or curb appetite to counteract this weight gain that he hates?
Third, as specified in the original question, his weight gain is all in his stomach--looks distended. Should that concern me as an indication of something wrong metabolically?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.

As per standard criteria more than 10 % weight gain over the 3 months period will be considered severe weight gain and 5-10 % over three months condidered moderate weight gain. I must acknowledge that some of the guidelines consider it 12 months rather than 3 months as mentioned above.

Regarding options to control weight gain I often consider either topiramate or metformin. However among these I prefer topiramate.

I think you should discuss the same with his doctor and information provided by me should be considered as a supplement rather than primary information.

I hope this answers you further.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng