In Utero Exposure to SSRI May Up Obesity, Diabetes Risk

In Utero Exposure to SSRI May Up Obesity, Diabetes Risk

 In utero exposure to antidepressants may raise risks for metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, new animal research suggests.

The study showed that rats given the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (Prozac, Eli Lilly and Company) produced offspring with evidence of a fatty liver and hepatic inflammation, which could signal metabolic disorders.

The study results raise potential concerns about the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, because the mechanisms may be the same in humans.

“The dose of fluoxetine that we used in the animal study gives serum levels in rats that are very similar to the serum levels of fluoxetine seen in pregnant women,” study investigator Alison C. Holloway, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada.

From 10% to 15% of American woman take an antidepressant during pregnancy. At the same time, obesity and diabetes are on the rise among children.

“There’s the argument that this is related to lifestyle and availability of high-calorie foods and reduced physical activity, but our study has shown that maternal antidepressant use may also be a contributing factor,” said Dr. Holloway.

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