What is the prescription for weight gain?

Author: Heath Balistreri  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Some medical conditions, including cancer, can cause undesired weight loss. Megestrol (Megace ES), dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros), and oxandrolone are FDA-approved appetite stimulants that can promote weight gain and nutritional intake when needed.

What will a doctor prescribe for weight gain?

Megestrol (Megace ES) comes as an oral liquid. Dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) comes in oral capsules or a liquid. Growth hormone analogs, such as somatropin (Serostim), are typically administered as injections. These options provide various ways to help you gain weight gain effectively.

What drug makes you gain weight the fastest?

Which Medications Cause the Most Weight Gain?
  • Medicines for diabetes, such as insulin, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas.
  • Antipsychotic medicines such as haloperidol, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and lithium.

Which pill makes you gain weight?

But insulin isn't the only type 2 treatment that carries this side effect. Sulfonylureas (such as glyburide, glipizide and glimepiride) reduce blood sugar levels by 20 percent, but they can also can also cause a weight gain of 4 to 5 pounds on average, according to a study published in Archives of Medical Science.

What should I take for gaining weight?

Do
  • gain weight gradually by adding healthy calories – adults could try adding around 300 to 500 extra calories a day.
  • eat smaller meals more often, adding healthy snacks between meals.
  • add extra calories to your meals with cheese, nuts, and seeds.
  • have high-calorie drinks in between meals, such as milkshakes.

Medications That Cause Weight Gain (Medicines Cause Weight Gain) 2024

How can a skinny person gain weight?

In general, your plan may include:
  1. Eating more frequently. Slowly begin to eat 5 to 6 smaller meals during the day. ...
  2. Choosing food with lots of nutrients. ...
  3. Top it off. ...
  4. Try smoothies and shakes. ...
  5. But watch what and when you drink. ...
  6. Exercise.

What is the appetite drug for weight gain?

Although megestrol acetate, oxandrolone, and dronabinol are the only drugs that the FDA have approved as appetite stimulants, some other medications have the side effect of increasing appetite. Some doctors may prescribe them off-label, or for their primary purpose, for this reason.

Does everyone gain weight on Lexapro?

It's important to stress that not everyone who takes Lexapro gains weight. Still, some patients note weight gain while taking the medication.

Does gabapentin make you gain weight?

Gabapentin may cause weight gain, but it is an uncommon side effect. Studies have shown that a small number of people taking gabapentin, a drug used to treat epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia, experienced weight gain. People who do gain weight may gain about 5 pounds after 6 weeks of use.

What diet is best for weight gain?

Weight Gain Diet Chart For 7 Days
  • Breakfast: 2 cucumber potato sandwiches, 1 cup orange juice, handful of nuts.
  • Mid-morning: 1 cup sweet potato chaat, 1 glass buttermilk.
  • Lunch: 1 cup lentils/ chicken or fish curry, 2 cups rice, 1 cup salad.
  • Evening: Milk smoothie, 2 bananas.

Why am I gaining weight on Topamax?

Topamax isn't known to cause weight gain. This side effect wasn't reported in clinical trials with Topamax. However, weight gain has been reported with some anticonvulsant drugs that are in the same class as Topamax.

What drug makes you gain weight?

Steroids, the birth control shot, and some beta blockers can also cause weight gain. Lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, may be helpful in managing this side effect. If you're concerned about gaining weight from your medications, talk to your healthcare provider.

Which doctor is best for weight gain?

If you are overweight or obese and concerned about weight gain that cannot otherwise be explained, you may want to consult an endocrinologist for assistance in learning more about your condition and the most appropriate treatment options.

Can a Dr prescribe something for weight loss?

Your health care provider may suggest a weight-loss drug for you in some cases. These include if you haven't been able to lose weight through diet and exercise and your: Body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30. This means you're living with a condition that involves having too much body fat, called obesity.

Which medicine is good for weight gain?

Megestrol (Megace ES), dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros), and oxandrolone are FDA-approved appetite stimulants that can promote weight gain and nutritional intake when needed. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an antidepressant that's sometimes taken off-label to boost appetite.

Why am I gaining weight if I barely eat?

If you're asking yourself, “Why am I gaining weight when I barely eat,” several factors may be at play. Your body may be holding onto fat stores if your eating habits are inconsistent or restricted. Or, your weight gain may be the effect of a sedentary lifestyle, medical condition, or long-term stress.

How to gain 10 pounds in a month?

Start by increasing your calorie and protein intake by eating every few hours. Take supplements, if needed, for that extra boost. Work out hard in order to turn any extra calories into muscle, not fat. If you plateau or need additional help, talk with a dietitian or personal trainer.

What is Marinol approved for?

Dronabinol (also known by its brand name, Marinol) is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting from anticancer medications. It's also approved as an appetite stimulant for people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

What should I do for weight gain?

Successful weight gain requires that you increase your daily intake of carbohydrates. Avoid low carbohydrate diets. Eating vast amounts of dietary protein won't make your muscles grow faster and will put unnecessary pressure on your body, especially your kidneys. Avoid high-protein diets.

What is the best protein for weight gain?

Best protein powders for weight gain
  • Whey Protein: A Popular Choice for Muscle Mass. ...
  • Casein Protein: Slow-Digesting for Sustained Muscle Growth. ...
  • Milk Protein Concentrate: Balanced Protein Source. ...
  • Beef Protein: An Emerging Contender. ...
  • Skim Milk Powder: Comprehensive Nutritional Profile.

Why am I skinny but I eat a lot?

You may be born naturally small and your low BMI can be due to your genes. You may have a very high metabolism and find it hard to put on weight, even if you eat foods that have a lot of calories. You may not follow a healthy, balanced diet because you forget to eat or cannot afford nutritious foods.

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