Hay fever pills may cause weight gain
Experts have warned that antihistamines can cause weight gain.
Around one in four Brits struggle with Hay Fever, a seasonal allergy with symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus congestion that has millions turning to tablets for relief.
But according to a General Practitioner (GP), the same pills may be quietly increasing appetite.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, from ZAVA Online Doctor, said: “Histamine actually helps suppress appetite in the brain.
“When you take an antihistamine, you block this effect, which can make you feel hungrier than usual. This can lead to increased calorie intake over time without you even realizing it.”
Histamine triggers allergy symptoms, but it also plays an important role in regulating hunger and alertness.
Antihistamines, including both older types of sedatives like Piriton and newer options like Benadryl Allergy Relief, Piriteze, and Clarityn, can interfere with this process, subtly altering eating habits.
Older medications can also cause drowsiness, reduce physical activity, and further contribute to weight gain.
Research suggests the link is more than just coincidence.
One study found that the BMI of children taking antihistamines increased by an average of 1.17 points per year, while another found that adults taking the drugs had higher body weight and insulin levels.
However, experts emphasize that the effect is complex and varies from person to person.
Dr Wyllie said: “Weight and allergies appear to be linked in a two-way relationship.
“It’s important to look at the big picture rather than blaming a single drug.”
He added that antihistamines remain safe and effective, but lifestyle changes may help offset their effects.
Dr Wyllie said: “Food is no substitute for medicine, but certain nutrients can help your body respond more calmly to allergens.”
Experts recommend adding anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, and oily fish, while citrus fruits and apples may provide natural antihistamine benefits.
They say a combined approach, rather than relying on pills alone, is key to managing symptoms without unwanted side effects.
