Study reveals antidepressant users face increased cardiometabolic risks

A recent study, published in Obesity, has found that individuals using antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), may experience significant changes in fat distribution and muscle composition, potentially heightening their risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers analysed data from 40,174 participants in the UK Biobank, comparing the fat distribution and muscle composition of SSRI and TCA users with non-users who were matched by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). The findings revealed that SSRI users tended to have more visceral fat, reduced muscle volume, and increased muscle fat infiltration compared to their non-using counterparts.

Notably, these adverse body composition changes were more pronounced in men, who were also found to be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, female SSRI users exhibited greater increases in BMI over time compared to men, though the latter group still showed a more concerning overall body composition.

In TCA users, both men and women exhibited lower muscle volume and faced an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

The study underscores that tracking patients' body weight or BMI alone may not adequately capture the adverse changes in body composition associated with antidepressant use. "Our results highlight that antidepressant use, particularly in men, can lead to a shift in fat and muscle distribution, contributing to a worsened cardiometabolic risk profile," the researchers noted.

These findings could have important implications for clinical practice, suggesting that body composition should be considered when prescribing antidepressants. Further research is encouraged to better understand the connection between antidepressant use, changes in body composition, and increased risks of cardiometabolic diseases.