The Role of Past Medical History in Long-Term Weight Management

It is essential to understand existing and previous co-morbidities as these can influence the success rates in the treatment of obesity and also indicate whether a referral to a medical practitioner or other health professional is needed. Certain medications can contribute to weight gain. These include:

• Corticosteroids
• Insulin
• Sulfonylureas medications used to treat Type II Diabetes
• Anti-depressants (particularly mirtazapine)
• Anti-psychotics (particularly clozapine, olanzapine)
• Valproate (an anticonvulsant medication used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder)

It is important to recognise that managing medication may be an important component of a long-term weight management plan and thus medical involvement would be indicated.