Antihistamine medication is used to suppress the body’s natural allergic reaction. Histamines cause fluid to escape from capillaries resulting in swelling, itching, and sneezing. Many antihistamines are sold over-the-counter without prescription.
For people with allergies, antihistamines are a saving grace – especially in the spring, when pollen is through the roof – but a new study says using antihistamines may actually lead to weight-gain.
Published in the journal Obesity, experts found people using prescription antihistamines were more likely to be obese or overweight than individuals not taking the drugs.
Among the 268 antihistamine users, 45% of study participants were overweight; this compared to all 599 of the individuals taking part in the study, where only 30% were overweight. Antihistamine users had a higher body mass index (BMI) than non users, with 31 and 28 respectively.
A BMI of 31 is considered obese and 28 is considered overweight.
But the researchers urge that the results do say antihistamines cause weight-gain, only that there is an association between weight-gain and taking antihistamines.
Mold and pet dander may also trigger allergic reactions in people.
Other medications linked to weight-gain are antidepressants such as Proza, Lexapro, Paxil, and Zoloft; causing weight-gain of 10 or more pounds.
Image credit: hitthatswitch
