Does buspirone cause weight gain? (5 ways to lose it)

In this article, we will discuss whether buspirone causes weight gain as a side effect. We will also discuss what research suggests and what one can do if buspirone causes weight gain.

Does buspirone cause weight gain? 

Buspirone (Buspar) may cause weight gain in some individuals. However, it is not a common side effect of this medication. Buspirone is not commonly known to affect metabolism or cause weight gain (1,2). 

However, people are different, and they usually have different underlying factors affecting their health. Buspirone may affect appetite regulation in some people, making them gain weight. It may also cause increased water weight in some individuals by causing fluid retention. 

However, these cases are not that common, and patient-specific factors also play an important role here. Furthermore, buspirone may also cause weight loss in some cases. So, it’s important to keep a close eye on your side effects and report them to your doctor (3).

What does research suggest?

There is a lack of research regarding the effects of buspirone on human weight. Studies do not show conclusive results, and it is difficult to say for certain whether the drug causes weight gain.

Research studies on animals are also inconclusive, as some studies showed weight loss in animals following the use of buspirone (4). 

Some animal studies have indicated that buspirone can spike cravings and increase appetite, resulting in weight gain in the animal test subjects. This indicates that the drug can trigger different weight-related responses (5).

Furthermore, several surveys have revealed that some people gain weight on this medication, some lose it, and some people may not notice any change in their body weight after taking buspirone for several weeks. 

This indicates that buspirone can affect people differently, and not everyone experiences the same kinds of side effects. If you are gaining weight while taking buspirone and you think that the medication is the culprit, please reach out to your doctor and discuss your concerns.

What factors can influence weight gain while taking buspirone?

Some factors that may influence weight gain while taking buspirone include:

Poor diet

Nutritional choices, such as excessive consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, can contribute to weight gain. A diet lacking in essential nutrients may impact overall health and weight management.

Sedentary lifestyle

Insufficient physical activity can hinder calorie expenditure, potentially leading to weight gain. Regular exercise not only aids in weight maintenance but also promotes overall well-being.

Underlying health conditions 

Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or hormonal disorders, can influence weight. Buspirone’s interaction with these conditions may contribute to weight changes. These conditions can also affect your weight on their own. 

Use of other medications

Concurrent use of medications with weight-related side effects might enhance the likelihood of weight gain. If you are taking any other medication that could possibly lead to weight gain, you will find yourself heavier on the scales.

Stress

Stress can also lead to weight gain. Some people may begin to eat more or consume more calories when they are stressed out. Make sure you find healthy stress-releasing activities and not rely on food for that.

What to do if buspirone makes you put on weight?

If buspirone makes you put on some weight, try the following things:

Consult with your doctor

It is crucial to discuss your side effects with your doctor. Your provider will determine the root cause of your weight gain and will guide you accordingly. They may also rule out other potential factors to ensure that you receive the right type of treatment for your symptoms. 

Opt for a healthy diet

Your diet has a lot to do with your weight. There is indeed a reason why they say, ‘You are what you eat’. If you wish to lose weight, you need to make sure that you are using the right amount and the right kind of calories. 

A healthy diet has a little bit of everything that your body needs. Completely cutting carbs or fats won’t get you anywhere, and neither will the fad diets. Try and incorporate all the essential nutrients in your diet and learn to control your portions. 

This helps you eat everything you love but in moderation. You can also try intermittent fasting which is a good way to drop some extra pounds. However, each individual is unique and has a different body type. So, try and see what works best for your body and stick to it.

Stay active

Staying active is another important thing to lose weight. You don’t need vigorous workout routines if your body can’t bear them. Just walking for half an hour at a pace that’s comfortable for you can help. 

Once your body adapts to it, try increasing your pace and your walking duration. You can also try home workouts or hit the gym to stay active. If you’re a beginner, you can try mild exercises to develop endurance and flexibility first. 

Some people may start with difficult workouts and lose hope when they can’t go through with the entire thing. This is why you need to understand how active you currently are and choose your workout routines accordingly. Don’t start doing too much too fast.

Stay hydrated

Ensuring proper hydration can play a crucial role in managing weight while taking buspirone. Staying hydrated supports overall well-being and helps regulate appetite. Sometimes, the body may signal thirst as hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie intake. 

By drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day, you can prevent misinterpretation of signals and potentially reduce unnecessary snacking.

Sleep well

Quality sleep is equally important for maintaining a healthy weight. Lack of sleep can disrupt the body’s hunger-regulating hormones, leading to increased cravings for high-calorie foods. 

Additionally, fatigue from inadequate sleep might result in reduced physical activity, making weight management more challenging. By maintaining proper sleep hygiene, you can positively impact your overall health and potentially mitigate factors contributing to weight gain.

In my healthcare experience, I have seen many cases of medication-induced weight gain and how upsetting this thing can be. Sometimes, you need more than a healthy lifestyle and a good workout regimen. Some people may require drug discontinuation to prevent further weight gain. 

Buspirone, in general, is not known to affect weight that significantly. However, people are different and can respond differently to medications. So, it is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor. 

References

1. Wilson TK, Tripp J. Buspirone. 2023 Jan 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30285372. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531477 

2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. Buspar (buspirone) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/018731s051lbl.pdf 

3. National Library of Medicine. buspirone: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688005.html#side-effects 

4. Lee YJ, Kim HM, Jang YN, Han YM, Seo HS, Jung TW, Jeong JH, Lee HJ, Jung KO. Buspirone Induces Weight Loss and Normalization of Blood Pressure via the Stimulation of PPARδ Dependent Energy Producing Pathway in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. PPAR Res. 2023 Apr 30;2023:7550164. doi: 10.1155/2023/7550164. PMID: 37168052; PMCID: PMC10164918. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10164918/ 

5. Shah D, Joshi M, Shah J, Patel BM. Beneficial effects of buspirone in endothelin-1 induced stroke cachexia in rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 2023 Sep;478(9):2069-2080. doi: 10.1007/s11010-022-04653-4. Epub 2023 Jan 7. PMID: 36609633. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36609633/