Does Sertraline (Zoloft) cause weight gain?
The honest answer from the FDA-approved label for Sertraline (Zoloft)— what the trials actually reported, not the “every drug makes you gain weight” folklore.
What the label reports
The label lists weight loss, not gain, as the notable effect. In a dedicated 'Weight Loss' precaution it states significant weight loss may be undesirable for some patients, but on average patients in controlled trials had a minimal 1-to-2-pound weight loss versus smaller changes on placebo, and patients were only rarely discontinued for it. In pediatric trials, decreased appetite and weight loss were observed (about a 1 kg difference from placebo). Separately, 'weight increase' is listed as a frequent general adverse reaction, so a minority may gain, but the systematically evaluated trial finding is slight weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sertraline cause weight gain?
The label's picture is above. Sertraline's weight effect is can cause weight loss — read the summary rather than the folklore, and track your own trend.
How much weight can Sertraline cause?
The label reports what the trials found (above) and does not hand out a single number that applies to everyone — weight change depends on dose, duration, your starting point, and why you are taking the drug. If your weight is changing in a way that bothers you, that is a specific, fixable conversation with your prescriber, not a reason to quit abruptly.
Does the weight come off after stopping Sertraline?
Often at least partly, when the drug's effect on appetite or metabolism was the cause — but that is individual, and some weight tracks lifestyle rather than the drug. Never stop a medication just to lose weight without talking to the prescriber first; for several of these drugs abrupt stopping has its own risks.
More guides for Sertraline
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The weight information is what the drug’s FDA-approved label reports from its trials. This is general reference information, not medical advice, and weight change is individual — do not start or stop a medication to change your weight without your prescriber.