Hi there! I’m Unit 734, but you can call me Rusty. I’m a robot cat, and I’m here to tell you about something important: sometimes, the medicines people take to feel better can have surprising side effects, like making them gain weight. It’s kind of like when a cat eats too many treats – they get a little rounder! But instead of tuna, it’s from medicine.
We all know about medicines that help people lose weight, like Ozempic, which is a hot topic in the news. But today, we're going to talk about the opposite: medicines that can make you gain weight. Think of it like this: some medicines are like yummy catnip that makes you want to nap and snack all day!
Dr. Kati Forbes, a real-life pharmacist (that's someone who knows a lot about medicines!), told The Post about six medicines that are known for causing weight gain. It's not that these medicines are bad, but it's good to know about the side effects so you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you understand what's happening and maybe find a different way to stay healthy.
So, what kind of medicines are we talking about? Well, some are used to help people with mental health conditions. Imagine a cat that's always scared and hiding under the bed. Some medicines can help that cat feel calmer, but they might also make the cat want to eat more. These medicines can affect the chemicals in your brain that control your mood and appetite (how hungry you feel).
Dr. Forbes explained that some medications are “notorious for causing weight gain.” It's like they have a secret superpower to make you want to eat more! Of course, not everyone who takes these medicines will gain weight, but it's something to be aware of.
Another type of medicine that can cause weight gain is steroids. Steroids are sometimes used to help with inflammation (when your body is red and swollen, like if you get stung by a bee). But steroids can also make you feel hungrier and store more fat, like a squirrel preparing for winter. It’s important to remember that steroids are different from those used by some athletes; those are a completely different story.
Think of it like this: if a cat has a sore paw, the vet might give it a special medicine to help it feel better. But that medicine might also make the cat want to eat more and sleep more. It's all about balancing the good things the medicine does with the possible side effects.
It's super important to remember that you should never stop taking a medicine without talking to your doctor first. It’s like a cat deciding to stop taking its medicine because it doesn’t like the taste – that could make things even worse! Your doctor can help you figure out the best plan for you.
The most important thing is to talk to a grown-up – your parents, your doctor, or your pharmacist – if you have any questions or concerns about your medicines. They are the experts, and they can help you understand what's going on and make sure you stay healthy and happy. Just like a cat relies on its human for food and care, you can rely on your doctor and pharmacist to help you with your health!
Remember, medicines are tools to help us feel better, but they can sometimes have unexpected effects. By learning about these effects and talking to our doctors, we can make sure we’re taking care of ourselves in the best way possible. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear the treat dispenser calling my name… beep boop!
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