How to prevent weight gain when taking sertraline

During sertraline treatment, weight gain can generally be prevented through methods such as controlling daily calorie intake, maintaining a regular exercise routine, choosing low-calorie and high-fiber foods, monitoring weight changes, and adjusting dietary patterns. Specific details are as follows:

1. Control daily calorie intake: Determine an appropriate caloric range based on individual activity levels, avoiding excessive consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods such as cakes and fried items, to prevent surplus calories from being stored as body fat.

2. Maintain a regular exercise routine: Engage in moderate-intensity exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, or yoga 3–5 times per week for about 30 minutes each session, helping to burn calories and maintain stable body weight.

3. Choose low-calorie, high-fiber foods: Increase intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other fiber-rich foods to enhance satiety, reduce consumption of high-calorie foods, and promote healthy intestinal motility.

4. Monitor weight changes: Weigh yourself at the same time each week, track your weight data, and promptly adjust diet and exercise plans if a continuous weight increase is observed. Consult a doctor when necessary.

5. Adjust dietary structure: Reduce intake of refined carbohydrates such as white rice and white bread by replacing them with whole grains; consume adequate amounts of high-quality protein sources like chicken breast and fish to help preserve muscle mass and support weight control.

In daily life, in addition to the above measures, it's important to avoid binge eating and develop the habit of eating slowly and chewing thoroughly. If significant weight changes or other adverse effects occur, communicate with your doctor promptly. Do not adjust the sertraline dosage without medical advice, ensuring both medication safety and effective weight management.