Antidepressant use is common worldwide, but recent studies suggest that some antidepressants are more likely to be associated with weight gain than others. This new study provides insight for those who want to take antidepressants but are concerned about controlling their weight due to medical conditions such as diabetes.

The analysis included the medical records of more than 180,000 people aged 18 to 80 who were taking antidepressants for the first time. The researchers analyzed weight changes after 6, 12 and 24 months of taking the drugs.

Eight drugs, known by the trade names Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin and Zoloft, were reviewed. People taking Wellbutrin were the least likely to gain weight. Those taking Wellbutrin were about 15% less likely to gain weight compared to those taking Zoloft, the most commonly prescribed antidepressant.

On the other hand, people who took Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, or Paxil gained more weight on average than those who took Zoloft. Taking Cymbalta, Lexapro, or Paxil carried a 10% to 15% higher risk of weight gain.