Concerta for Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know

What Is Concerta?

Concerta is a medication commonly prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to the class of stimulant drugs and contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. Concerta affects certain chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It is formulated as an extended-release tablet, providing a gradual release of medication throughout the day. Concerta is approved for use in children ages six years and older, adolescents, and adults.¹

Does Concerta Cause Weight Loss?

One of the ways ADHD medications like Concerta can potentially trigger weight loss is by suppressing appetite. Stimulants like methylphenidate can reduce feelings of hunger, leading to decreased food intake. Weight loss only occurred in ~⅓ of those who lost their appetites. Weight loss is more common in individuals that are taking Concerta and do not actively monitor their diet and ensure they consume enough calories.²

Additionally, Concerta can increase metabolism and energy expenditure. The medication can raise the body’s metabolic rate by stimulating the central nervous system. This increase can lead to increased calorie burning, possibly contributing to weight loss.²

Amphetamines are another family of stimulants. 10% of adults taking extended-release amphetamine lost weight, compared to nobody in the placebo group, which is comparable, if not more, than what is seen from methylphenidate. However, only 4% of children aged six to 12 years taking extended-release amphetamine lost weight, compared to nobody in the placebo group, which appears far less than what has been observed from methylphenidate.³

Can You Use Concerta for Weight Loss?

The FDA has not approved Concerta for weight loss and has placed a boxed warning of drug dependence on its label. Chronic or long-term use can lead to tolerance, meaning the same dose may not cause as much appetite suppression over time, and greater doses would be required to achieve the same effect. However, higher dosages of Concerta come with an increased risk of harmful outcomes such as heart attack, stroke, mania, psychosis, and seizures.¹

Weight-Related Side Effects of Concerta

While Concerta is generally well-tolerated when used as prescribed for ADHD treatment, there are potential side effects that may occur, some of which could contribute to weight loss. Decreased appetite, for example, can result in reduced food intake, potentially leading to unintentional weight loss. However, it’s important to note that not all individuals will experience these Concerta side effects, and the impact on weight may vary among individuals. Monitoring any changes in weight and discussing them with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure proper management and well-being.¹

Side effects of Concerta use that may lead to weight loss include:^1,2

• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Increased sweating
• Increased heart rate

All medications, including Concerta, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your provider or pharmacist about any questions and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Anorexia & Concerta Appetite Suppression

Appetite suppression (decreased appetite) is a notable side effect of Concerta, and while it typically leads to reduced food intake, it is important to recognize it can also have serious consequences. In rare cases, Concerta use has been associated with the development of anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by severe restriction of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight. While anorexia is an uncommon adverse effect, it has been reported in clinical trials and case studies.^1,4

The mechanism by which Concerta may contribute to the development of anorexia is not fully understood. It is speculated that the appetite-suppressing effects of the medication, individual risk, and psychological vulnerabilities may trigger disordered eating patterns and distorted body image. It is important for individuals taking Concerta or any other medication to be aware of the potential risks and to communicate any changes in appetite, eating behavior, or body image to their healthcare provider or pharmacist. Early recognition and intervention can help decrease the risk of developing anorexia or other eating disorders.^1,4

How to Manage Weight Loss on Concerta

Decreased appetite and weight loss are possible side effects that you may experience when taking Concerta. Other medications or underlying conditions, such as depression, can also cause weight loss in adults. If you are experiencing weight loss, talk with your provider or pharmacist to see the cause and steps to manage your medications if needed. If you cannot meet with your provider and need to find a different prescriber, you can consider online psychiatry services.^1,5

Here are 4 ways adults can manage weight loss while taking Concerta:^1,5

• Adjusting the dosage: Talk to your provider or psychiatrist if adjusting your dose would benefit you. They can provide a plan for adjusting or switching medications if needed. Only your prescriber can adjust doses. Do not attempt this on your own.
• Working with a dietician: A dietician can help create a meal and snack plan to help you get the most nutrients when you are hungry.
• Eating small regular meals: You may not have the appetite to eat big meals at typical lunch and dinner times. If you experience this, try eating small meals regularly throughout the day to make up for lost nutrients.
• Physical activity: Physical activity is an important way to stay healthy and can help to stimulate appetite.

Children With ADHD and Appetite

Using Concerta as a treatment for ADHD in children will likely cause decreased appetite. This loss in appetite results in eating less nutrients and can cause weight loss. A child’s growth and development can be impacted if they are experiencing decreased appetite and weight loss. Track your child’s growth and update their prescriber. If you notice any major weight loss, visit your child’s provider to rule out other causes.^6,7,8

For guidance on managing these side effects, talk to your child’s doctor, psychiatrist, dietician, or pharmacist. These providers can help keep track of their growth and development, while their psychiatrist can help manage Concerta and adjust doses if needed. A dietician can also help develop a food plan to maximize the nutrients your child gets if they are experiencing a decreased appetite.

How to Help Children Manage Weight Loss on Concerta

Here are 5 ways to help children and adolescents manage weight loss while taking Concerta:^7,8

1. Offer snacks: Offering frequent snacks can help your child get more nutrients throughout the day.
2. Plan mediation around mealtimes: Concerta can cause a decreased appetite so you can give the medication after mealtimes. Doing this can help with weight loss because they will still have an appetite before they take Concert.
3. Talk to psychiatrists: A psychiatrist can help make the decision if Concerta is right for your child. Short-acting ADHD medications can potentially help with decreased appetite by providing times throughout the day when they can eat first before they take their dose.
4. Medication holiday: A medication holiday is when you take a break from taking or giving a specific medication. Talk with your child’s psychiatrist or pharmacist to see if a medication holiday would benefit your child.
5. Working with a dietician: A dietician can help create a meal and snack plan to help your child get the most nutrients out of what they eat when they are hungry.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Concerta for Weight Loss

If you would like to consider Concerta as an option for ADHD, please discuss this with your provider or psychiatrist. If you are worried about the weight loss side effect, your provider, psychiatrist, or pharmacist could recommend something similar or educate you on more tips to avoid weight loss with this medication.

Questions to ask your care team about Concerta weight loss include:

1. How can I tell it’s the medication causing weight loss?
2. How long will weight loss effects from Concerta last?
3. Am I at risk for increased weight loss or weight gain if I am already taking other medications, such as antidepressants or anxiety medications?
4. Will a previous history of weight loss or weight gain make me more susceptible?
5. What is the best dosage to reduce the risk of weight gain or loss?
6. Are there drugs I am taking that could have increased effects on weight gain or weight loss?
7. When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing too much weight gain or weight loss?
8. Are there other medications that may have less impact on my weight?
9. When is a medication holiday needed?
10. Does exercise impact my health if I have weight loss from Concerta?
11. Should my child stop taking their Concerta on the weekend or breaks from school?
12. Are there specific foods I should give my child when they have an appetite?
13. What snacks should I give my child if they have a decreased appetite?
14. Should I give my child a 4th meal?
15. How should I monitor my child’s weight and height at home?
16. Is there a time period when my child may experience more weight loss?
17. How can I manage a decreased appetite in my child during school and activities?
18. Are there savings cards or coupons for Concerta to help me save money on my prescription?

In My Experience

In my experience, weight loss is a common side effect of Concerta. If there is a concern with weight loss, make sure your provider or psychiatrist closely monitors the dose. If there are concerns, the suggestions to take Concerta after a meal or to have your provider try to lower the dose have been very effective for my patients. As a reminder, Concerta is not an FDA-approved treatment for weight loss. If a medication is not FDA-approved for a certain condition, like weight loss in this example, it means there haven’t been research studies on safety and effectiveness regarding Concerta and weight loss.

If you are looking for a medication for weight loss, your provider and pharmacist can work with you to find the best options that are FDA approved for weight loss. There are more weight loss drugs in the development and approval process than ever before, though these can get costly if your insurance doesn’t cover them.

For Further Reading

• ADHD Medication Side Effects: Everything You Need to Know – Choosing Therapy
• ADHD Treatment Options for Children
• Does Ritalin Cause Weight Loss?
• ADHD Medications and Your Child’s Appetite
• Concerta Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment
• Concerta Vs Adderall: Differences, Similarities, Side Effects, & More