I am new to the forum so forgive me for asking this question but I think it applies to many.Although I am sure the issue of weight gain from meds has been posted many times,it is my curiosity if someone on the boards has actually lost weight through diet and exercise while on Seroquel,Zyprexa or any of the newer atypical meds noted for their fat gain.Let's be honest here.Weight gain on meds is FAT gain.I went on Zyprexa in the summer of 2000 and weighed 160 pds. At the time, I had a 34 in.waist and could pretty much maintain this with eating quite a bit.By Decemeber of that year, I was at 230 pds with a 46 in waist.The appetite and craving for carbs was incredible.I tried exercising but it served no purpose as the weight stuck.After going off Zypreza in 2005 on my own decision, not my docs,I promptly lost 30 pds in about 12 weeks.Now granted I exercised while on Zyprexa but also after getting off the drug.My appetite returned to normal.One thing that bears mentioning though is the exercise level after getting off Zyprexa.I was on a stationary bike for an hour at a time for 5 times a week.In retrospect,my ability to maintain non-stop bicycling for 60-90 minutes might have been a mania thing going on as excessive energy and goal directed behavior is a mania symptom.I feel though the key is the metabolic rate slows while on meds and research is now showing these meds effects on appetite regulation,leptin,neurotransmitters and other things that make losing weight nearly impossible.I would really like to hear from those who LOST weight while on these drugs on a diet and exercise program, and by lost I mean attained a healthy weight for their frame and not just became LESS OBESE.Does anybody really believe one can atttain and maintain a healthy weight while remaining on these drugs? I'm in doubt.Is 6 pack abs even possible? This may sound superficial and funny but I had them previous to going on these meds and now with exercise and watching my diet,the weight just does not budge.I now take Seroquel after my symptoms returned and promptly put on 20 pds in 4 months and the craving for carbs is back and my waistline is increasing again.

Hi Rcoaster
My Son Gained 80lbs When Put On His 1st Med Combo In 6 Months.
He Was Only 14 Now 16. He On Many Combo's But He Has Lost Weight. The Doc Checked His Hormone Level And It Was High. We Took Him Off Resperdal And Switched To Abilify. He Then Started Very Slowly Losing The Weight. He Is Now 16 And Still A Little Over Weight But Losing About 40lbs Has Helped. Also He Very Tall And Has A Big Frame But He Is Working On Still Losing More Weight.
So I Would Talk To Your Doc And Tell Him To Check You Hormone Level. My Son Is On 1500mg Deparkote, 10mg Abilify At Night And 20mg Prozac In Morning Along With Asthma Medicine. So Good Luck And Call Doc. It Took A Year Or Longer To Get My Sons Med Combo To Work For Him.
Take Care And Good Luck.
Mslainie

i have also gained a lot of wieght esp from depakote. I was never a size 4 but ~I was a size 8 and now a 14. I hate it. I know that may not sound that bad, but being married I feel also my husband is not attracted to me ant that is the worst as he said as much.

we are both going to try to lose weight together. I also need a weight less med! please let there be one!

I am going off Depakote. One of the things that depresses me is wieght. an any one else I am also sure of that! so they should be able to get something that fixes your episodes and your lows and doesnt make you fat!

I will keep checking in to see if any one has had any success.

:)

Leomia