FTO Gene and JNK Gene
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. One of the potential side effects of taking Zoloft is weight gain, which has been a concern for many patients. There is evidence to suggest that a specific gene, called the FTO gene, may play a role in determining how likely an individual is to experience weight gain while taking Zoloft.The FTO gene is located on chromosome 16 and has been identified as a key regulator of body weight and adiposity. Variations in the FTO gene have been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Specifically, a variant of the FTO gene known as rs9939609 has been found to be associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and higher risk of obesity.
The JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) gene is a protein kinase that plays a role in various cellular processes, including cell differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation. There has been some research suggesting that the JNK gene may also be involved in the regulation of body weight and metabolism, and may contribute to the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Studies have investigated the relationship between the FTO gene and weight gain in individuals taking antidepressants such as Zoloft. One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2015 looked at the association between the FTO gene and weight gain in patients taking Zoloft or other SSRIs. The study found that individuals with the rs9939609 variant of the FTO gene were more likely to experience weight gain while taking SSRIs than those without the variant.
Another study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2018 also examined the association between the FTO gene and weight gain in patients taking Zoloft. The study found that patients with the rs9939609 variant of the FTO gene had a greater increase in weight and BMI over the course of treatment with Zoloft than those without the variant.
Studies have investigated the relationship between the JNK gene and weight gain in individuals taking antidepressants such as Zoloft (escitalopram). Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and depression, and one of its potential side effects is weight gain.
A study published in the journal Nature Communications in 2017 investigated the role of the JNK gene in weight gain in mice treated with SSRIs, including escitalopram. The study found that mice lacking the JNK1 gene were less likely to experience weight gain and metabolic disturbances when treated with SSRIs compared to wild-type mice with intact JNK1 genes.
This study suggests that the JNK1 gene may play a role in mediating the weight gain and metabolic effects of SSRIs such as Zoloft. However, it is important to note that these findings were based on animal research and may not necessarily translate to humans.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2013 examined the relationship between the JNK gene and weight gain in humans taking SSRIs. The study found that individuals with the rs1047768 variant of the JNK gene were more likely to experience weight gain while taking SSRIs compared to those without the variant.
When weight gain becomes an issue with staying on Zoloft you do have options. Do things in your daily life that help reduce the over activation of the FTO gene and the JNK gene. This means diet, light exercise and supplement with a blend of supplements that help keep the FTO gene and JNK gene at a reduced level.
If you have not tried diet and exercise alone, we recommend you try that standard approach first. Once that fails, add the supplements to the mix and watch the Zoloft weight gain become a thing of the past. The supplements suggested are found by clicking here.