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7 Medications That Might Be Slowing Your Weight Loss
January 20, 2026
You’re counting your calories, closing your rings, maybe even skipping dessert. But the scale still refuses to cooperate.
Before you start blaming your willpower, it might be worth looking somewhere else: your medications.
“People are often surprised to learn how many medications can influence weight,” says Joseph St. Pierre, DO, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “That doesn’t mean they’re bad medications. Many are essential. But some can make weight changes harder.”
Here’s what medications could be slowing your weight loss goals.
1. Antidepressants
Your antidepressant plays an important role in mental health, but some can affect appetite or cravings, especially for carbohydrates.
“You may find yourself feeling more hungry than usual or eating more frequently than before,” Dr. St. Pierre says. “Even small appetite shifts can impact weight over time.”
Not all antidepressants affect weight the same way. Some options are more weight neutral than others, which is why this should always be a conversation with your provider.
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2. Steroids
Steroids like prednisone can be extremely effective for asthma flares, autoimmune conditions and inflammation. They can also come with side effects.
“Steroids commonly increase appetite and cause fluid retention,” Dr. St. Pierre explains. “Together, those effects can cause short-term changes on the scale.”
For most people, short courses do not cause lasting weight gain. Long term use may require closer monitoring.
> Related: 4 Things to Know Before Trying GLP-1s for Weight Loss
3. Certain diabetes medications
Some diabetes medications support weight loss, but others may slow it down.
“Older medications often raise insulin levels, which encourages the body to store energy,” Dr. St. Pierre says. “This can create roadblocks to weight loss, even with strong diet and exercise routines,”
There are many options within this class, and treatment can often be tailored to both blood sugar control and weight goals.
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4. Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers help regulate heart rate and blood pressure, and in many cases they are essential.
“Some beta-blockers slow the heart rate enough to reduce daily calorie burn,” Dr. St. Pierre says. “That effect depends on the specific medication.”
If fatigue or weight changes are a concern, your provider can help determine whether a different option within the same class may be appropriate.
5. Antihistamines
Even your allergy medication could be playing a small role in hindering weight loss.
“Some antihistamines can increase appetite or make you feel hungrier,” Dr. St. Pierre says. “When taken daily, that effect can add up.”
Not all allergy medications affect weight the same way, so alternatives may be available.
> Related: What to Do When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Helping You Lose Weight
6. Anti-seizure and mood-stabilizing medications
These medications are used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder and chronic pain. But they can also influence metabolism and appetite.
“They affect how the brain regulates hunger and energy use,” Dr. St. Pierre explains. “Weight changes are not guaranteed, and some options may even support weight loss.”
Finding the right medication often means balancing effectiveness with side effects.
> Related: 5 Common Triggers for Overeating — and How to Avoid Them
7. Hormonal medications
Birth control, hormone replacement therapy and menopause treatments can all influence weight.
“Hormones affect appetite, water retention and fat distribution,” Dr. St. Pierre says. “Even subtle changes can affect how weight behaves.”
If your weight feels harder to manage than it used to, hormones may be part of the picture.
> Related: 4 Lesser-Known Causes of Weight Gain
Here’s when it’s time to see your doctor
If you’re doing everything right and still not seeing progress, don’t get discouraged. And never stop or change a medication without talking to your provider first.
“Many of these medications are essential for managing chronic conditions,” Dr. St. Pierre says. “Improving weight can be important, but it shouldn’t override the need to properly treat the condition itself.”
If you’re concerned about medications slowing your weight loss, a conversation with your provider can help you understand your options without putting your health at risk. They can help review your medications, discuss alternatives within the same class and create a plan that supports your health and your goals.