If you live in a city full of pollution, battle food allergies or struggle with season allergies, chances are, you take some sort of antihistamine. Medications such as Clariten, Zyrtec, and Allegra are some of the major brands in the industry. I personally began to notice a fluctuation in my weight due to water retention, fatigue, and an increase in belly fat while taking my over the counter allergy medications. Upon further research I realized that several studies have been done linking weight gain to antihistamine medications.
“268 adults (174 females and 94 males) reported use of an H1 antihistamine and completed all outcome measure components. 599 age- and gender-matched controls (401 females and 198 males) were used as a comparison for body measurements, plasma glucose, insulin concentrations, and lipid levels.”
What did they find?
“After adjusting for gender, prescription H1 antihistamine users had significantly higher weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001), and insulin levels (P < 0.005) compared to healthy controls.”
Specifically, controlling for age and gender, those who take anti-histamines were 55% more likely to be overweight than their non-allergy-suffering peers (source).
If more people were aware of these side affects they might use their antihistamine less and find other natural ways to control their allergies. Keep in mind, the research showed an increase in insulin levels. Anytime something raises your insulin levels it has the ability to increase hunger. Increased insulin levels have also been linked to higher amounts of belly fat.
This all makes SO much sense! If you are looking for natural cures to overcome your allergies here are two articles that I have written….
Increase Your Health and Immunity With Carotinoids
Adria Ali
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