Optimising Weight Management Advice for Adults Prescribed Antidepressants: A Qualitative Interview Study of Experiences.

Antidepressants are widely prescribed for depression and anxiety, yet common side effects like weight gain can adversely affect physical and psychological health, highlighting the need for tailored weight management strategies for users. This study aims to explore these experiences, identify barriers and facilitators to effective weight management, assess the availability of weight management services, and understand the role of healthcare professionals in providing support. We conducted semi-structured interviews in the United Kingdom between May-August 2022 (female participants) and December 2023-February 2024 (male participants) with 13 adults prescribed antidepressants aged 19-62. Participants were purposively sampled for variation according to age, gender, type of medication, length of prescription and weight gain/loss. We audio recorded each interview, transcribed it verbatim, and analysed transcripts using thematic analysis. Participants' experiences emphasised the significant role of healthcare professionals in supporting weight management, with impacts ranging from helpful to counterproductive. Adults on antidepressants faced unique practical and psychological challenges, making weight management more complex than typical weight loss efforts. Many struggled to balance mental health needs with concerns about weight gain as a side effect, highlighting a strong need for more comprehensive and proactive support from healthcare providers in addressing medication-related weight changes. This study identifies key areas for supporting weight management in antidepressant users: enhancing proactive healthcare support, tailoring strategies to the unique challenges of antidepressant use and balancing mental and physical health priorities. Early intervention and regular monitoring could improve weight management experiences, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and a proactive role for healthcare providers.