Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss?

Updated: September 23, 2025

Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss?

TL;DR

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant for depression/SAD (and bupropion is used for smoking cessation). It’s not FDA-approved for weight loss. Compared with many antidepressants, bupropion tends to be more weight-neutral and some people lose a little—but results vary. If weight is a priority, a separate combo medicine—naltrexone + bupropion (Contrave)—is FDA-approved for chronic weight management with lifestyle changes. Pair any medication conversation with steady nutrition (protein-forward meals, fiber, and calorie awareness).

Table of contents

1. What studies show
2. Is Wellbutrin prescribed for weight loss?
3. Safety basics (read this first)
4. What results can someone expect?
5. How Contrave is different
6. Make nutrition easier
7. Readers also ask
8. FAQs

Helpful reads: How many calories should I burn a day exercising? · What is the NOVA food classification? · 10 healthy breakfast ideas for weight loss

What studies show

• Among antidepressants: Large real-world studies find bupropion users gain the least weight on average over 6–24 months compared with several first-line antidepressants. Differences are modest on average.
• Bupropion alone: Trials/meta-analyses suggest small average losses for some people (a few kilograms), but responses range from loss to no change to gain.
• Naltrexone + bupropion (Contrave): In 56-week trials with lifestyle changes, average loss was about 4–6%, roughly 3–5% more than placebo.

Is Wellbutrin prescribed for weight loss?

No. Bupropion is used for depression and seasonal affective disorder. If weight management is central to your goals, clinicians may consider options like Contrave (see below) or choose an antidepressant with a more weight-neutral profile when appropriate.

Safety basics (read this first)

• Do not use bupropion if you have a seizure disorder or a current/prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa (seizure risk).
• All antidepressants have a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts/behavior in young people—work closely with your prescriber.
• Never start/stop or change doses without your clinician.

Educational only—this is not medical advice.

What results can someone expect?

There’s no guaranteed effect. Some lose a little, some stay the same, some gain. Sleep, appetite, other meds, stress, and diet/activity all matter. Track weight and appetite for the first 8–12 weeks and talk with your prescriber about options if your trend isn’t where you want it.

How Contrave is different

Contrave (naltrexone + bupropion) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management with lifestyle changes. The regimen titrates to 2 tablets twice daily by week 4. More patients on Contrave reach ≥5% and ≥10% loss vs placebo when paired with diet, activity, and behavior support.

Make nutrition easier while you figure meds out

Consistency beats perfection. Explore our healthy meal plans, try the Weight Loss Meal Plan, or build your own plan to hit protein and calorie targets without the guesswork.

Readers also ask

FAQs

Does Wellbutrin usually cause weight loss?

Not usually. On average, bupropion is linked to the least weight gain among common antidepressants, and some people lose a little—but it’s variable.

Is Contrave the same as Wellbutrin?

No. Contrave is a fixed combination of naltrexone + bupropion, approved for chronic weight management with lifestyle changes.

Is Wellbutrin safe with an eating disorder?

No. Bupropion is contraindicated in people with bulimia or anorexia due to seizure risk—talk with your prescriber about alternatives.

Related reads: NOVA food classification · Breakfast ideas for weight loss · Calories to burn exercising

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