Celexa is a form of SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, used for the treatment of depression. Individual responses vary from patient to patient, but one common side effect is weight gain, according to the MayoClinic.com 14. Gaining weight as a result of taking medication can be uncomfortable and frustrating. You can manage extra pounds by cleaning up your eating habits and engaging in regular exercise. Make healthy lifestyle changes to lose weight after you stop taking Celexa.

Set realistic weight loss goals 1. Don’t expect to lose all of the weight in one week. Losing 1 to 2 lbs. per week is recommended for safe weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com 124.

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Clean up your eating habits. Eating clean means staying away from processed items and sticking to foods in their natural form. Consume foods like low fat dairy, fish, eggs, lean beef, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, vegetables and fruits that are nutrient dense and keep you feeling fuller longer, notes MayoClinic.com 14.

Eat less. Record your meals daily in a food journal or use an online weight management program like LIVESTRONG’s MyPlate. Monitor your eating trends and calories for a few days to see your average consumption. Subtract 500 to 750 from your average to lose one to two pounds per week.

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Train with weights three days per week to build muscle and fire up your metabolism. Use resistance bands, free weights or body weight as resistance. Perform exercises like push-ups, lunges, crunches, and overhead shoulder press for four sets of 12 repetitions.

Perform cardiovascular exercise three to five days per week to burn fat. Jog on the treadmill, ride your bike, glide on an elliptical machine or step on the Stairmaster for 30 minutes. Vary your cardio each day to keep your body guessing and responding.

Tips

Consult your physician prior to starting a new weight loss program.