Weight gain from common medications

Obesity in the United States has grown by 48% in the past 15 years. Although not often considered in the list of risk factors for obesity, the medications taken by many people may be contributing to the population’s increasing girth.

Commonly used drugs that may affect your sense of hunger and appetite include those taken for allergies, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, and hypertension to name just a few.

Reference: Ingrid Kohlstadt MD MPH, Medscape 5/12/2010

Dr. Robert Skarperud, N.D., M.S.

Dr. Skarperud is a licensed Naturopathic Physician practicing at the oldest naturopathic medical clinic in Central Oregon, the Blue Star Clinic in Bend. He graduated from Bastyr University School of Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, WA, in 2004. Additionally, he earned a Masters of Science degree in Human Nutrition from Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston, Massachussetts, in 1998. His Bachelors of Science degree in Zoology is from the University of Washington in Seattle.