Can antihistamines cause weight gain? 5 tips on how to prevent it

Can antihistamines cause weight gain? 5 tips on how to prevent it

Antihistamines are medications used to alleviate symptoms of allergies caused by substances such as pollen, dust, pets, and mold.

Despite its ability to cause drowsiness, antihistamines may also lead to weight gain as they work to counteract the body’s exaggerated response to a harmless substance.

Histamine typically regulates hunger by sending a signal to the hypothalamus in your brain, indicating that you are satiated.

Antihistamines prevent histamine from binding to receptors in the hypothalamus, resulting in the brain not receiving the signal of feeling full.

As a result, one may experience heightened appetite, weight gain, elevated insulin levels, and obesity. Additionally, antihistamines may induce fatigue and discourage physical activity.

Antihistamines and their potential impact on weight gain

Cetirizine is used to treat allergies and conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, there are concerns that it may lead to weight gain. To fully comprehend this, it is important to examine the mechanism of action of cetirizine.

The use of antihistamines has been linked to long-term weight gain. However, the exact reasons for this are not fully understood and the effects may differ from person to person.

If you have concerns about gaining weight from taking cetirizine, an antihistamine that relieves symptoms of allergies such as hay fever and hives, here are some healthy lifestyle tips to consider:

1) The Importance of a Balanced Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet provides you with energy by incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals.

To maintain a healthy weight, it is important to reduce processed goods and sugar, as well as limiting intake of red meat and unhealthy fats. If you use allergy medications on a daily basis, it is also important to consider how your diet may affect your overall health.

When taking a daily antihistamine to manage allergy symptoms, it is important to pay attention to your diet. Food allergies can develop at any stage in life.

Importance of antihistamines (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by pixabay)
Importance of antihistamines (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by pixabay)

2) Practice Activities

As a means of maintaining your health and strength, regular exercise can be beneficial. If you are new to exercising, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before starting a rigorous workout routine.

It is advisable to engage in moderate exercise on most days of the week, as well as incorporate stress-reducing activities such as yoga or meditation.

Importance of antihistamines (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by andrea)
Importance of antihistamines (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by andrea)

3) Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

It is important to stay hydrated while taking allergy medication to prevent mistaking thirst for hunger.

Spice up your water by incorporating fruits, cucumbers, or herbs. Not only does this add variety to your daily water consumption, but it also provides a host of benefits.

Tips to lose weight (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by karolina)
Tips to lose weight (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by karolina)

4) Prioritize quality sleep

Not getting enough sleep is a factor in weight gain, and allergies can worsen this problem. It’s important to aim for a consistent bedtime and aim for a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night.

If your allergies prevent you from sleeping at night, discuss potential treatment options with your doctor. During the conversation, make sure to mention your desire to avoid any weight-loss medications.

Tips to lose weight (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by ivan)
Tips to lose weight (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by ivan)

5) Consult with a medical professional

It is important to discuss potential alternative treatment options with your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend options that do not cause weight gain.

The possibility of trying a different antihistamine may also be suggested in order to see if it yields any noticeable changes.

Tips to lose weight (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by karolina)
Tips to lose weight (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by karolina)

The concept is to create a calorie deficit, causing your body to switch from using glucose to storing fat in order to fulfill its energy requirements.

While weight loss may appear straightforward, maintaining consistency is crucial. Many individuals who try to alter their diet and exercise routines ultimately give up due to a lack of perseverance.

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