Decoding the Link: Why Do I Eat So Much on Lexapro?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 41% of people taking Lexapro may experience weight gain. If you find yourself asking, "Why do I eat so much on Lexapro?", it's a common side effect with several potential explanations tied to how the medication affects your brain chemistry and overall health.

Quick Summary

Lexapro can cause increased appetite and weight gain through complex effects on serotonin, metabolism, and mood. This guide explores the underlying causes and provides actionable strategies to help manage this side effect.

Key Points

Serotonin's Dual Role: While Lexapro increases serotonin to improve mood, this neurotransmitter also influences appetite, potentially leading to increased hunger, particularly for carbohydrates.
Metabolic Changes: Some theories suggest that long-term use of Lexapro may subtly decrease metabolic rate, causing the body to burn fewer calories at rest.
Improved Mood and Appetite: If depression or anxiety suppressed your appetite before, feeling better on Lexapro may restore your hunger signals to a normal or increased level.
Lifestyle Interaction: Unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary routine or a diet high in processed foods, can amplify the risk of weight gain associated with SSRIs.
Long-term vs. Short-term Effects: Initial weeks on Lexapro may sometimes cause appetite suppression, but appetite tends to return or increase over the course of several months of treatment.
Management is Possible: Combining mindful eating, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and close communication with a healthcare provider can effectively manage appetite changes.
Not Universal: Weight gain is not an inevitable side effect for everyone on Lexapro, and the degree of change varies significantly from person to person.

Understanding the Serotonin Connection

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, in the brain. While this helps improve mood and reduce anxiety, the relationship between serotonin and appetite is complex. Serotonin is involved in regulating many bodily functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite. The increase in serotonin levels, especially over the long term, may paradoxically lead to changes in appetite regulation for some individuals. For instance, it may increase cravings for carbohydrates and make it harder for the body to recognize feelings of fullness.

The Role of Improved Mental Health

One of the most straightforward explanations for increased appetite is a welcome consequence of the medication working as intended. For many, depression or anxiety can cause a loss of appetite and associated weight loss. As Lexapro begins to alleviate these symptoms, a person's mood and energy improve, and their appetite may return to a healthy baseline. If someone was previously underweight due to their mental health condition, this can result in healthy and necessary weight gain as they begin to eat normally again.

Potential Metabolic Changes

Some research suggests that long-term SSRI use can cause a subtle reduction in metabolic rate or alter fat storage patterns. This means your body might burn fewer calories at rest than before, making it easier to gain weight even with a relatively unchanged diet. This effect can be particularly frustrating because it combines with increased appetite to create a situation conducive to weight gain. Experts note that these metabolic changes are a complex area of study and not yet fully understood, but are a potential factor.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Contributors

While medication plays a significant role, personal habits and lifestyle choices also interact with Lexapro to influence weight. Studies have shown that lifestyle factors like a Western diet high in processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates can exacerbate weight gain in people taking SSRIs. Other contributing factors include:

Increased cravings: Higher serotonin levels might boost an appetite for carbohydrates and comfort foods.
Sedentary lifestyle: An inactive lifestyle with limited physical movement makes an individual more susceptible to weight gain on Lexapro.
Smoking status: Some studies suggest that smokers starting SSRIs are at a higher risk of weight gain.
Emotional eating: As a person's mood improves, their relationship with food may shift. For some, this could mean returning to or developing emotional eating patterns.

Managing Increased Appetite on Lexapro

Fortunately, there are proactive strategies to manage increased appetite and mitigate potential weight gain while prioritizing mental health. It's crucial to discuss any changes with your doctor before making adjustments to your medication or diet.

Here are some tips to consider:

Eat a balanced, high-fiber diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. High-fiber foods can help you feel full for longer, which reduces the urge to overeat.
Practice mindful eating: Pay close attention to hunger and fullness cues. Distinguish between emotional hunger and physical hunger. Eating slowly and savoring your food can also help you recognize when you are full.
Stay active: Regular physical activity helps maintain metabolism and burns additional calories. This can be as simple as a daily walk or a more intense exercise regimen, whatever is sustainable for you.
Stay hydrated: Sometimes the body mistakes thirst for hunger. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help manage cravings and overall intake.
Monitor your habits: Keeping a food diary can help you identify patterns in your eating habits and spot triggers for overeating. This can be a powerful tool for making targeted adjustments.
Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep patterns can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and weight. Aim for consistent, adequate sleep to support both your mental and physical health.

Comparing Weight Gain Potential of Antidepressants

Not all antidepressants have the same potential for weight gain. If weight management becomes a primary concern, your healthcare provider may discuss alternatives. Here is a comparison of Lexapro with other common antidepressants:


Antidepressant Type	Common Examples	Weight Gain Potential	Key Mechanisms	Citations
SSRI	Lexapro (Escitalopram), Zoloft (Sertraline)	Moderate. Potential for modest, gradual weight gain over time.	Increases serotonin, which can affect appetite regulation and metabolism.
SSRI	Prozac (Fluoxetine)	Lower. Often associated with initial weight loss, though long-term effects can vary.	Increases serotonin, can suppress appetite in early stages.
Atypical	Wellbutrin (Bupropion)	Low to Neutral. Can sometimes promote weight loss.	Acts differently on norepinephrine and dopamine; less impact on serotonin.
Atypical	Remeron (Mirtazapine)	High. Significant appetite increase and weight gain are common.	Acts as an antihistamine, which stimulates appetite.
Tricyclic (TCA)	Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline	High. Generally associated with higher weight gain risk than SSRIs.	Affects multiple neurotransmitters, including histamine, which influences appetite.

Conclusion

It is common for some individuals to experience increased appetite and weight gain while taking Lexapro, which can be due to a combination of factors including its effect on serotonin, potential metabolic changes, and an improvement in underlying mood and eating habits. While this can be a frustrating side effect, it's important to remember that Lexapro is an effective medication for managing depression and anxiety. Never stop taking Lexapro abruptly without consulting a healthcare provider, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a relapse of mental health issues. By understanding the potential causes, adopting proactive lifestyle strategies, and working closely with your doctor, you can manage these effects and continue to benefit from your treatment. Open communication with your care team is the most effective approach to ensure your overall well-being is addressed. For further guidance, considering a consultation with a registered dietitian can provide a personalized nutrition plan to support you on your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some evidence suggests that Lexapro, and other SSRIs, can lead to increased cravings, particularly for carbohydrate-rich foods like pasta, bread, and sugary snacks.

If depression or anxiety caused a decreased appetite, a returning appetite on Lexapro is a sign of recovery. However, Lexapro-induced appetite gain can feel more intense or involve new cravings, which should be monitored with your doctor.

Weight changes on Lexapro vary. For some, the weight stabilizes as their body adjusts. However, discontinuing Lexapro solely for weight loss is not recommended and should only be done under medical supervision.

Observe the timing. If your increased appetite coincided with starting or adjusting your Lexapro dosage, it may be related. Discuss your eating habits and overall health with your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.

Yes, some antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), are often considered more weight-neutral or may even cause weight loss. It's essential to discuss all medication options and potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

A balanced diet rich in fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you feel full and manage cravings. Eating nutrient-dense foods and limiting processed sugars and carbs is recommended.

Regular physical activity, such as aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, can help counteract a potential metabolic slowdown and improve overall weight management.