Hi everyone,
This is such a wonderful forum! I've been taking Effexor (150 mg) for about 2 months. I feel fantastic and after trying many other AD's I don't want to switch. BUT...I'm unable to lose weight. I'm not gaining, but I'm not losing either. I'm on Atkins (for life!), but NO loss. Has anyone else dealt with this? If so, do you have any suggestions on how to get the scale moving in the right direction? I still have 50 pounds to lose so this is really important to me. Thanks everyone...
Peace,
Susan

Hi,

I've always been underweight all my life (according to the standard of height and bone measurment).I've been on Effexor XR 75mg for the past year and a half. I've steadily put weight on since last summer. I was 117 when I started the meds, and I'm now 143ish. That's a lot of weight gain for me, although I'm enjoying the overall look, my tummy is taking on more than it needs to.

My theory.....it just lowers the metabolism, we "mentally" slow down and don't use up the energy we usually do when we're worrying about things. My eating habits haven't changed at all, actually, my eating habits were so much worse previously. I also have ulcerative colitis which is doing very well at this time....therefore, bowel frequency is much less. I know that was keeping my weight down as well.

The only thing that will get the metabolism to use up the energy is exercise. I would suggest a treadmill.....walking is the best exercise for all-round weight maintenance. As well, use weights to help build muscle, which will also help to burn off fat.

I'm starting on my treadmill tomorrow....I've grown out of too many pants and am starting to feel very uncomfortable with my tummy growth. I see I'm developing into my father and mother combined....YIKES!!

I'm not enjoying the fact that I have to think about losing the weight when all my life I've always complained I couldn't keep it on.....oh well, I feel good mentally....it's definitely one of the consequences I'll have to deal with.

Bummer!

Have you checked out Dr. Phil's book "Ultimate Weight Loss Solutions"? Good info that might also help you.

Losing the weight isn't just 50 pounds...the change has to be a lifestyle change. I now get what that means.

I hope it works out for you,
quincy

Hello. I am not on Effexor (I'm on Prozac Weekly), but I've heard from various respectable sources that the Atkins program is not usually doeable life-long. The brain (and body) craves carbs to function properly. It's a balanced eating plan that is key (and expending more calories than one consumes thru activity) to weight loss and maintanence.

Please don't deprive yourself of a certain type of food thinking that it will give you the results that you're striving for long or short-term. I'd taken a 6-week nutrition class thru my local hospital (that was approved by the American Dietetic Association), and an eating program that was well-balanced with proteins, fats, and carbs was recommended to all of us. The dietician gave each of us an individualized program based on our medical history, food preferences and lifestyle.

The class was wonderful! It was taught from an overall health standpoint, not just in reference to weight loss. We learned about healthy and unhealthy fats. Unhealthy fats include trans-fats (partially hydrogenated oils) which are in about every food and a lot of "low-fat" foods and saturated fats. I would gladly relay some basics that we learned in our class :-), for ex. "3 is the key" regarding eating 3 whole grain foods a day, and the fact that it must have "whole" or "whole grain" before the ingredients for it to be legitamately whole grain. Take care