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Weight Loss

 

Below, you will be able to read selected text by a lecture given by James Harper, the author of the bestselling book, Lose the Weight Gain Caused by Antidepressants.

Lose the Weight Gain Caused by Antidepressants has out sold The South Beach Diet book as well as most other popular diet books. Why? The information found in the book works if you are taking an antidepressant, are off an antidepressant or have never used an antidepressant and need to lose weight.

Start of lecture

Let me begin by saying, losing the weight gain that has been caused by antidepressants is not an easy task. I like to use the phrase, trial and success, in finding what will work for each individual.

I do say each individual. As most of us will admit, we are all different, that simple phrase seems to get lost when we are talking about weight gain or weight loss. When you throw antidepressants into the equation, you really have a uniqueness to each individual.

What did the antidepressant change? Is the antidepressant making hormones overwork or is the antidepressant suppressing one or more hormones? Is the antidepressant moving a person toward being a diabetic or has the antidepressant altered the adrenal, cortisol the hormone ACTH or any number of things?

What can you safely do if the person is still taking an antidepressant and they need to lose weight?

Antidepressants cause an altering of a balance mechanism used in our body and this starts the spiral down or maybe better said the increase of weight almost overnight.

Antidepressant weight gain was overlooked by the medical community until recent years and was aggressively denied until recently. Finally, the side effect warning labels on antidepressants acknowledge weight gain as a side effect.

Many people would lose weight when they started taking an antidepressant but then, out of the blue, bam. Weight gain would not only start but the weight gain would be 10 to 20 pounds a month. Diet and exercise would not stop the unexplained weight gain. Doctors would tell their patients “you must be hitting the candy rack at the store.

Your patient may now be gluten intolerant, lactose intolerant or intolerant to everything and everyone. Understandable! Tough enough when you suddenly gain those extra pounds but when others think you are hitting the fridge after everyone is asleep and you are being accused of lying about your food intake, it is disheartening.

So, when you have a patient tell you they are not hitting the fridge late at night and they tell you they have not changed their diet, believe them. 

During the past ten years I received hundreds of thousands of e-mails from people taking an antidepressant. Categorizing the data found in the e-mails, researching existing clinical trials, tabulating the results and working directly with people trying to lose the antidepressant weight gain has led to specific conclusions and applicable data. 

There are some things a person can do if they are still taking an antidepressant or if they are already off the antidepressant. I want to emphasize again, this is trial and success. This is not a one size fits all.

I will be mentioning a few supplements that are used for weight loss. I will be detailing what they are doing and why they are used.

These supplements are manufactured by TRB Health. www.trbhealth.com 1-866-810-3809. You do not have to use the supplements I recommend for your patients, however, staying as close as possible to the actual formula will be needed for results.

You will find in the next section a daily schedule of what I am about to cover.

To begin, a good probiotic should be used. Your next page will show what I have found to be the correct probiotic for weight loss.

Label of the recommended probiotic. TRB Health calls it Complete Probiotic Formula.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 Capsule

spacer_black

Amount Per Capsule

spacer_black

Probiotic Blend

160 mg*

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Lactobacillus rhamnosus

6.0+ billion CFUs*

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Bifidobacterium bifidum

5.0+ billion CFUs*

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Lactobacillus acidophilus

3.0+ billion CFUs*

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Lactobacillus casei

2.5+ billion CFUs*

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Lactobacillus plantarum

2.0+ billion CFUs*

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Lactobacillus salivarius

2.0+ billion CFUs*

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Bifidobacterium longum

1.0+ billion CFUs*

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Streptococcus thermophilus

1.0+ billion CFUs*

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Lactobacillus bulgaricus

1.0+ billion CFUs*

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Lactobacillus paracasei

0.5+ billion CFUs*

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Bifidobacterium lactis

0.5+ billion CFUs*

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Bifidobacterium breve

0.5+ billion CFUs*


This probiotic is tested to have at least the listed amounts and is double encapsulated to allow for the proper digestion at the correct time.

Patients that have had bariatric bypass surgery continued to lose weight after surgery if they also took a probiotic every day. The patients that did not take a probiotic daily would not lose additional weight. Why would that be?

A few reasons that are possible:

Antidepressants will cause Candida in 17% of patients. Candida can cause weight gain as well as other symptoms.

The intestinal tract, when able to work properly will convert substances that directly relate to weight loss. A probiotic will help create those substance.

Nutritional supplements can be used for weight loss and the supplements will usually have a percentage of success attached. Not all supplements will create weight loss for each individual. This is the case if your patient used or is using and antidepressant or never has used one. 

Have the patient take the probiotic and additionally take 1,000 mg of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the morning, 1,000 mg CLA at noon and at 1,000 mg CLA 4 pm. Never take CLA after 4 pm.

At the same time have the patient take 2 mg of Ultimate Omega 3 in the morning and 2 mg of Ultimate Omega 3 at noon. Never take Omega 3 fish oil after 4 pm.

When a patient is taking Omega 3 fish oil daily they also need to take 400 i.u. of vitamin e daily. They would take the vitamin e in the morning with the Omega 3 and the CLA. 

This approach will work for roughly 34% of your patients. The first thing a patient will experience is a reduction in size around week number 4. Week 5 is when the weight loss begins. For the 34% that this works for, the weight will begin to fall off at week 5. The weight reduction and size reduction will generally be in the midsection.

The CLA may cause some of your patients to feel a bloating effect. Make sure they are taking the CLA with food and this usually handles that problem.

There are a lot of Omega 3 fish oils sold and most will not help with weight loss. You need an Omega 3 that is higher in EPA than DHA and for whatever reason I have found Omega 3 fish oil that is only made from sardine works better.

With all of you already using Unique E in your practice, I will not spend any time on why that vitamin E is important.

For the patients that do not lose weight with this approach, the odds are extremely high they will at least feel much better.

Supplement Labels of Ultimate Omega 3 and CLA recommended.

Ultimate Omega 3

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 Soft Gelatin Capsule

Amount Per Serving

 

 

 

Calories: 10

Calories From Fat: 10

 

 

Amount

% Daily Value

 

 

 

Total Fat 

1 g

2%

Polyunsaturated Fat 

0.5 g

*

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) 

420 mg

*

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) 

280 mg

*

Fish Oil 

1,000 mg

*

 

CLA 

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 Soft Gel

Amount Per Serving

 

 

 

Calories: 10

Calories From Fat: 10

 

 

Amount

% Daily Value

 

 

 

Total Fat 

1 g

2%

CLA Complex (75% conjugated linoleic acid)

1000 mg

*

 

**Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. *Daily Value not established

You can have the patient add the supplement alpha lipoic acid for a greater chance of the Omega 3 and CLA to work for weight loss. I mention this last because for some people with anxiety the lipoic acid tends to make the anxiety worse or bring it back again. A 50 mg or lower amount of lipoic acid should only be used.

Calcium

Clinical trials have shown calcium can help with weight loss. However, you should know the specifics with calcium and weight loss.

This is only successful with females

This is only successful if the female is not currently taking calcium

Calcium use for weight loss is successful for about 30% of the population

An exception or question I feel needs to asked with calcium and weight loss would be; if the person is taking calcium and not losing weight, are they taking vitamin D3? If the patient is not taking at least 1,000 i.u. of vitamin D3 each day and 1,200 mg of calcium each day, split up in 3 dosages of 400 mg each during the day, this might be why the calcium is not working for weight loss.

Make sure there is magnesium in the calcium supplement or have the patient take around 400 mg to 600 mg of magnesium each day.

Keep in mind the vitamin D3.

Due to genetic makeup, roughly 60% of the population will not be able to easily assimilate vitamin D and 50% of the population will not be able to easily assimilate calcium. As you know, if the patient does not have enough vitamin D present, the assimilation of calcium will not happen.

If your patient has or had anxiety the only type of calcium to use is calcium citrate. A different type of  calcium may be your favorite but if anxiety is or was present, calcium citrate should be the only type of calcium used.

Inflammation 

Inflammation plays a major part with weight gain. Omega 3 fish oil, CLA and vitamin e will lower inflammation in the body. Most weight loss prescription drugs claim their effectiveness because they lower an inflammation substance called interleukin-6.

Antidepressants will lower this interleukin-6 initially but in time will create inflammation in the body and interleukin-6 will become rather high.

This is probably why physicians thought antidepressants were good for weight loss when the new type of antidepressants came out, starting with Prozac. A high percentage of people would lose weight in the beginning but months later or for some people it took a year or more, the weight gain would start for no apparent reason.

Interleukin-6 runs hand in hand with depression as well. Clinical trials have shown depressed patients will have high Interleukin-6 and people with depression tend to be overweight. It is not known if depression begins first and high Interleukin-6 follows or if high Interleukin-6 is present first and that is a partial or complete cause of the depression. 

Regardless of which came first, Interleukin-6 being high, depression being high or even weight gain happening first, we can take the available clinical trials and put them to solid use.

A patient that is overweight will have high levels of Interleukin-6. A probiotic will also lower Interleukin-6 and that is probably part of the reason the right probiotic will help with weight loss.

You can also use a product called Infla Supreme to help lower Interleukin-6.

The Infla Supreme is sold in a packet with 4 different supplements in each packet.

You will find in each packet 1 of the following:

1 softgel of Ultimate Omega 3 PlusA fish oil made from a few different fish but high in EPA

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 Softgel

Amount Per Softgel

% Daily Value

 

Calories

10

 

 

Calories from Fat

10

 

 

Total Fat

1 g

2%

 

Saturated Fat

0 g

0%

 

Polyunsaturated fat

1 g

*

 

 

Marine Fish Oil Concentrate

1,000 mg

*

 

Supplying the following Omega-3 fatty acids:

 

 

 

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

360 mg** (330 mg***)

*

 

 

Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
* Daily value not established

1 capsule with the ingredients of; citrus bioflavonoids, Hesperidin, Quercetin and Rutin.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 Tablet

Amount Per Tablet

% Daily Value

 

Citrus Bioflavonoids (as citrus bioflavonoid complex, min. 50% bioflavonoids)

600 mg

*

 

Hesperidin methylchalcone

50 mg

*

 

Quercetin

100 mg

*

 

Rutin

50 mg

*

 


* Daily value not established

1 capsule of Antioxidant Plus

Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 Capsule

Amount Per Capsule

% Daily Value

 

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), root, dried extract, min. 50% resveratrol (250 mg)

500 mg

*

 


* Daily value not established

The supplement Resveratrol has received plenty of press lately for health. However, the maximum content of resveratrol in red wine extracts available for use in dietary supplements is 20%. In contrast, root extracts of Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) provide up to 50% trans-resveratrol content, the same form as found in red wine. Antioxidant Plus provides 250 mg of trans-resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum root.

You can use the Infla Supreme supplements along with the Ultimate Omega 3 fish oil, CLA, vitamin e and calcium. With the Infla Supreme having 1 Omega 3 softgel, have the patient use the Omega 3 in the Infla Supreme packet and only take one additional Ultimate Omega 3.

Have the patient take all 4 capsules found in the Infla Supreme packet at noon, with food.

Again, we are going for trial and success here. With your patient using all of the information covered so far, their chance of weight loss is rather high. After 5 weeks if weight loss has not started and they are doing everything mentioned so far, have them stop taking the CLA. CLA will either work or not work after 5 weeks and there is no need to continue taking it if weight loss has not started.

Take Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Probiotic AM AM AM AM AM AM AM
Omega 3 Fish Oil 2 mg AM
2 mg Noon
2 mg AM
2 mg Noon
2 mg AM
2 mg Noon
2 mg AM
2 mg Noon
2 mg AM
2 mg Noon
2 mg AM
2 mg Noon
2 mg AM
2 mg Noon
Infla Supreme 1 Packet Noon 1 Packet Noon 1 Packet Noon 1 Packet Noon 1 Packet Noon 1 Packet Noon 1 Packet Noon
CLA 1,000 mg AM
1,000 mg Noon
1,000 mg Before 4 pm
1,000 mg AM
1,000 mg Noon
1,000 mg Before 4 pm
1,000 mg AM
1,000 mg Noon
1,000 mg Before 4 pm
1,000 mg AM
1,000 mg Noon
1,000 mg Before 4 pm
1,000 mg AM
1,000 mg Noon
1,000 mg Before 4 pm
1,000 mg AM
1,000 mg Noon
1,000 mg Before 4 pm
1,000 mg AM
1,000 mg Noon
1,000 mg Before 4 pm
Vitamin E 400 i.u. AM 400 i.u. AM 400 i.u. AM 400 i.u. AM 400 i.u. AM 400 i.u. AM 400 i.u. AM

The schedule above is based on the quantity and purity of ingredients found in supplements provided by TRB Health. www.trbhealth.com 1-866-810-3809

If you use a supplement made by any other manufacturer, make sure to check the supplement facts on the label.

Calcium has been left off this schedule. A total of 1,200 mg of calcium should be used each day and have patient divide the calcium into three 400 mg amounts. Generally, morning, noon and before bedtime will be the desired times to take calcium.

Ideally, the patient will also take at least 1,000 i.u. of vitamin D3 daily. Make sure a proper amount of magnesium is also used daily.

Broad Acting Multi-Enzyme Formula

After 5 weeks if weight loss has not started, have your patient begin taking a broad acting multi-enzyme.

Glucose and what your body does or will not do with glucose can be critical for weight loss as well as general health. Enzymes play a crucial role in conversion of carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and vegetable fibers.

The multi-acting enzyme should include all of the following:

Carbohydrate Enzymes

The complex carbohydrates found in fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes must be converted into simple sugar glucose, fructose and galactose to be absorbed. If you are experiencing gas or bloating, this may be part of your problem.

Alpha-Amylase – Converts complex starch in root vegetables and grains to the next step needed for a healthy system.

Glucoamylase – Helps convert the final product of Alpha-Amylase into glucose.

Sugar-Specific Enzymes

Converting sugars into glucose is critical and without the right conversion a person will not only gain weight but experience GI discomfort and the fermentation due to the incomplete digestion of these sugars will cause additional problems

Lactase – Converts milk sugar into glucose and galactose.

Maltase – Digest maltose in milk, cereal grains and processed foods into glucose.

Sucrase – Converts table sugar into glucose and fructose.

Pullulanase – Breaks down starch molecules that are resistant to degradation. Without this breakdown inflammation will become higher in the body.

Vegetable/Fiber Specific Enzymes

These enzymes will help with nutrient absorption and bowel regulation.

Cellulase – Frees nutrients from fruits and vegetables and makes them more bioavailable.

Alpha-Galactosidase – Breaks down hard to digest carbohydrates found in legumes and cruciferous vegetables.

Pectinase – Helps stop the bulking effect of some fibrous foods.

Phytase – Breaks down parts of wheat, oats, barley and legumes.

Beta-Glucanase – Breaks down glucans in cereal grains and in yeast cell walls.

Diet

  • Eat lean protein and vegetables together only.
  • Do not eat protein and high carbohydrate foods at the same time.
  • You can eat vegetables and carbohydrates together.
  • Avoid white flour cooked foods, white rice, starchy foods.
  • Limit the amount of dairy.
  • Avoid sweets and candy.
  • Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits as an in-between meal snack.
  • Remember to drink water.
  • Have a breakfast (Grape Nuts are excellent or other cereal high in fiber).
  • Avoid processed foods (this includes the fast-food restaurants).
  • Take a broad spectrum digestive enzyme.
  • Lower your inflammation.

Exercise

Antidepressant weight gain will not be helped by exercise. The weight gain is drug induced and until something else changes, exercise will not help with weight loss.

That being said, it is still important for your patient to get some exercise in this process. At some point in time, the exercise will have a benefit again for weight loss and will be excellent for general health regardless.

Going for a walk at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes should be part of this program.

I want to close with a little story I was sent a few months ago. The author is unknown.

"A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. 'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait. ''That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied...' Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ...it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!

Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank. I am still depositing.'

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans."



The claims, information and products mentioned through this site or within the book, How to Get Off psychiatric Drugs Safely have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site or within the book, How to Get Off Psychiatric Drugs Safely is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

Copyright 2006 The Road Back. All rights reserved. No part of this Web Site may be reprinted or distributed without permission.
Copyright 2006 -  How to Get Off Psychiatric Drugs Safely by James L. Harper used with permission.
Copyright 2007 - How to Get Off Psychiatric Drugs Safely by James L. Harper used with permission.

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