Sertraline (Zoloft) For Weight-Loss: For Most it's a Myth

Sertraline For Weight-Loss

This article presents information about taking Sertraline for weight-loss. 

Sertraline is the active substance found in medications such as Zoloft, among others, and it belongs to a group of psychiatric medications known as SSRIs. Sertraline works through blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain synapses, increasing the effect of serotonin on the brain.

Provided information in this article is not medical advice. Always consult with your physician before starting a new medication.

Current Evidence

• Sertraline is not FDA approved for weight-loss. Instead it has both weight-loss and weight-gain listed as side effects.

• A research paper from 1992 showed that Sertraline reduced the food intake and body weight of obese mice. Despite this finding the effect did not seem to translate to humans when taking the medicine long-term.

• Severe weight-loss is a rare side effect of Sertraline that only occurs in less than 2% of all the adults taking the medication.

• Most research indicate that adults only lose a single pound or two short-term when starting treatment with Sertraline. 

• Rather, the results from one scientific study published in 2016 showed an average weight-gain of 10.5 lbs in adults taking Sertraline at the 2 year mark of treatment. Compared to other SSRIs, this was on average 5.9 lbs more weight gained, indicating that taking Sertraline for weight-loss is particularly detrimental.

• Weight-loss from Sertraline is more common in children. There are reports that up to 7% of children being treated with Sertraline experience severe weight-loss. However, in many cases this may be attributed to side effects reducing the appetite and lowering total calorie intake (e.g. nausea).

Treatment with Sertraline for Weight-Loss

• It is not advised to use Sertraline for weight-loss as it is more likely to increase weight with continuous use, which could cause other problems such as metabolic syndrome. 

Useful Information

• Weight-loss is best achieved by regular exercise and restricted calorie intake, which is clinically recommended rather than of trying non-approved alternatives to the likes of taking Sertraline for weight-loss.

• Previously mentioned study from 2016 also showed that the antidepressant that causes the least amount of weight-gain is Bupropion. Non-smokers who took Bupropion had lost an average of -2.4 lbs at the 2 year mark.

• In the same study it was found that Mirtazapine is the antidepressant medication with the highest weight gain, with an average weight-gain of 16.2 lbs during the same timeframe.

Author: J. Martin, M.D. 
Last updated: August 18, 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease seek immediate medical attention.