Prescriptions can pack on pounds

Almost everyone you know probably takes some type of prescription, they can be life savers.

But one of the most frustrating side effects can be weight gain. Some of the most common prescriptions are the worst for your figure.

“Medicines for blood pressure cause swelling, or medications for diabetes can cause weight gain,“ pharmacist Lindsey Marshall said.

She has heard plenty of complaints about prescriptions that people said make them fat.

In addition to the expected complaints about medicines for blood pressure and diabetes, some people are surprised when they pack on the pounds after starting a commonly prescribed new prescription.

Among the most likely to cause weight gain: oral steroids, oral hormones, oral contraceptives and antidepressants are among the worst.

Marshall said don’t live with the misery. There is usually an alternative prescription.

“Most of the time there is an alternative. Sometimes even drugs within the same class can cause less weight gain than what was prescribed for you. So it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor and say this isn’t really working for me,“ she said.

If you were thinking of taking a dietary supplement to help lose the weight, Marshall says mixing the two is not a good idea.

“The FDA does not monitor all the dietary supplements that on the market, so they could cause complications, could increase your blood pressure, increase your risk of bleeding,“ she said.

Always let your physician know about every over the counter medication you’re taking, even if it’s just aspirin.

The best way to prevent gaining weight with a new medication is simple, ask your doctors some questions up front.