Some SSRIs and other psych meds can bump up appetite, trigger weight gain, and add metabolic strain in certain patients. That matters because the extra load can worsen obesity risk, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular risk. Not everyone gains weight, but for some it becomes a real barrier to staying on treatment long-term.
How GLP-1 support may help
GLP-1 support may help reduce appetite and food noise, slow gastric emptying, improve glycemic control, and support meaningful weight management alongside lifestyle change. It addresses the whole patient, mental health and physical health together.
Who may benefit
This is most relevant for adult patients with obesity or overweight plus metabolic risk, rising A1c, insulin resistance, or prediabetes, appetite increase after starting certain psychiatric medications, or a need to protect long-term cardiometabolic health. Selection depends on diagnosis, medical history, and prescribing judgment.
Important considerations
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Caution is used in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or severe GI symptoms, and GLP-1 support is avoided in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Care is coordinated with your psychiatric and medical prescribers. This is not a substitute for psychiatric treatment.
This is a cash-pay metabolic program for adults, available to New Mexico residents, and is separate from psychiatric care.
Kevin Lazar, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC · WellnessRx · View the study
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Medications prescribed only when clinically appropriate. Individual results vary. Telehealth services available to New Mexico residents. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved as products.