Millions of Americans are unknowingly taking medications that may be robbing them of their natural ability to burn calories and destroying their gut health. This has led to growing concerns that such medications may be fueling a nationwide obesity epidemic, causing unexplained weight gain of up to 30 pounds a year.
One such medication is Risperidone, a popular antipsychotic drug prescribed to millions of patients suffering from autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Researchers at the University of Iowa conducted a study involving mice and found that Risperidone could cause disruption in the gut’s bacterial composition, potentially leading to weight gain in excess of 10 percent of original body mass.
How Risperidone impacts gut health and metabolism
In their study, the researchers observed that control mice experienced what they called a “healthy shift” in their microbiome due to aging. However, when given Risperidone, the mice became obese and exhibited a less healthy shift in their microbiome. This resulted in a profound negative impact on gut health and metabolism.
The researchers found that Risperidone slows down the activity of healthy bacteria that are responsible for breaking down nutrients in the gut. Instead of breaking down nutrients as they should, these gut bacteria start storing them as fat cells. This change in the gut’s bacterial composition causes a nearly 16 percent drop in resting metabolic rate, which then accounts for the unexplained weight gain.
According to John Kirby, PhD, a professor of microbiology and urology, this is the equivalent of eating one additional cheeseburger every single day.
Protecting your gut health
While the study specifically focused on Risperidone, it’s essential to understand that the drug belongs to a class that includes popular medications like antidepressants. This means that millions of Americans taking similar medications may also be unknowingly causing issues with their gut health, metabolism, and weight.
If you’re concerned about the impact your medications may have on your gut health, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor first before making any changes. If removing problematic medications from your daily regimen is not an option, there are several ways to protect your gut microbiome and avoid medication-induced disruptions and weight gain.
- Add probiotics to your diet: Consuming more unprocessed fermented foods can help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut. These foods include sauerkraut, kim chi, kombucha, pickled vegetables, and yogurt. You can find these items in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store.
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Take a high-quality probiotic supplement: Look for a supplement that contains lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, along with other gut-healthy ingredients like psyllium husks, flaxseed powder, and other fibers that promote optimal colon health.
Weight gain and obesity can have severe consequences on your overall health. It’s important, now more than ever, to be aware of the potential side effects of the medications you’re taking. By making informed decisions and taking steps to protect your gut health, you can help prevent medication-induced weight gain and maintain a healthy weight.
