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• Healthcare experts expect monthly premiums for health insurance plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act to increase significantly in 2026.
• Out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses are also expected to rise.
• In addition, they say fewer people may be eligible to purchase insurance through the federal government program.

The 11-week enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans runs from November 1 through January 15, 2026.

Experts say people using this federal program to purchase insurance should examine their options carefully.

They say that’s because consumers can expect to pay higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs under their 2026 plans.

They also expect fewer people to be eligible for Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage and predict less help will be available for people who need assistance signing up.

In addition, experts say short-term health insurance plans may not be a good option for those looking for alternatives to ACA plans.

They blame the increased costs and other difficulties on higher healthcare costs, tariffs, and the federal government shutdown.

Here is a look at some of the key changes to expect when the ACA enrollment period.

Higher health insurance premiums

More than 90% of Obamacare enrollees receive subsidies to help them pay their monthly insurance premiums.

Those subsidies are at the heart of the budget disagreement between Republican and Democratic leaders that led to the federal government shutdown that began on October 1.

The subsidies are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Democrats want to lock in an extension of those subsidies as part of the government funding legislation. Republicans don’t want that provision in the bill.

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) estimates that without the subsidies, ACA monthly insurance premiums for an individual would rise anywhere from $378 to $1,836 per year, depending on household income.

Without subsidies, the premiums for a family of four are predicted to rise from $840 to $3,201.

Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms has published some specific predictions.

• A family of four living in New Hampshire that earns $50,000 per year living will see their premiums jump from $9 to $186 per month.
• Two retirees in their early 60s living in Wisconsin on an income of $85,000 per year will see their premiums jump from $602 to $2,144 per month.
• A 28-year-old living in Oregon earning $25,000 per year will see their premiums jump from $8 to $97 per month.

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) also predicts that companies that sell insurance through the ACA framework will raise monthly premiums in general by a median of 18% due to increasing healthcare costs.

Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, points out that the amount ACA enrollees pay for premiums out of their own pocket is predicted to rise by an average of 75% next year.

“If Congress doesn’t act soon, the enhanced subsidies (or extra financial help) many low-income and middle-income people received since 2021 will end, causing out-of-pocket premiums to spike for individuals and families,” she told Healthline.

Kanwar Kelley, MD, a specialist in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine, and the co-founder and chief executive officer of Side Health in Orinda, CA, said these higher premiums will have a significant impact.

“These subsidies have been crucial in keeping plans affordable for middle-income and low-income families. Without them, the program would price out the population it was designed to help,” Kelley told Healthline.

Higher out-of-pocket costs

It’s been reported that an individual’s annual out-of-pocket costs under ACA plans will increase from $9,200 in 2025 to $10,600 in 2026.

The out-of-pocket costs under family ACA plans is scheduled to rise from $18,400 in 2025 to $21,200 in 2026.

Stidom said these higher costs make it even more important for people to shop carefully when signing up for ACA plans.

She cited an eHealth report indicating that people can save an average of $2,000 per year by comparison shopping with a licensed insurance agency.

Fewer people eligible for Obamacare

Experts predict that fewer people will be part of the Obamacare system in 2026.

For starters, experts say the uncertainty of the subsidies and the ACA marketplace in general might discourage some consumers from enrolling in Obamacare programs.

The Trump administration also slashed funding by 90% for navigators who helped guide consumers through the ACA marketplace in 28 states. That could also reduce the number of people who sign up.

In addition, some people under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be blocked from enrolling in Obamacare programs.

An estimated 525,000 people in the United States are covered by DACA, and about 10,000 DACA recipients have health insurance through ACA plans.

In addition, new rules enacted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in June 2025 repealed the monthly special enrollment period for individuals with projected household incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

The rules also installed income verification processes for people receiving insurance premium subsidies.

Some insurance carriers may also opt out of the ACA marketplace. Aetna has already announced it will not participate in the ACA system in 2026.

Flaws of short-term health insurance plans

Short-term, limited-duration health plans have been sold in the past to individuals through the “non-group” (individually-purchased) private insurance market and through industry associations.

These plans, sold in 36 states, were designed for individuals who experience a temporary gap in health coverage, such as those between jobs.

They’ve been marketed as less expensive alternatives to plans sold through the ACA exchange. They generally offer coverage from 1 to 6 months.

However, an October 2025 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) noted a number of issues with these insurance plans. They include:

• Short-term health insurance health plans don’t provide subsidies, so people who purchase them may end up with higher monthly premiums than people with subsidized ACA plans.
• Many short-term plans exclude people with medical pre-existing conditions, so applicants with cancer, obesity, or who are pregnant may be declined coverage.
• Short-term plans generally have higher deductibles, some as high as $25,000 per year.
• 40% of short-term plans don’t cover mental health or substance use disorder treatments, and more than 90% don’t cover adult immunizations or maternity care.
• Short-term health insurance plans are not required to allow consumers to automatically renew their policies. “An individual who buys a short-term policy and then becomes seriously ill will not be able to renew coverage when the policy ends,” the KFF report states.

In addition, the Trump administration has stated it won’t enforce consumer protections on short-term plans.

According to the KFF report, consumers “could end up enrolled in plans that cover less than they thought and leave them on the hook for higher out-of-pocket costs than are permitted under [ACA] plans.”

Impacts of Affordable Care Act changes

The Commonwealth Fund estimates that 5 million Americans will lose their ACA health insurance coverage in 2026 if Congress does not renew subsidies.

CBO officials also predict that eligibility changes made by the Trump administration will cause 3 million more Americans to become uninsured.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that many people who sign up for ACA plans in the fall may not be aware of how much their monthly premiums have increased until they make their first payment in January.

That “sticker shock” will also be true for the 50% of ACA enrollees whose polices are automatically renewed each year.

In addition, the Commonwealth Club estimates that nearly 340,000 people in health-care related professions will lose their jobs next year as healthcare providers reduce their workforces in reaction to fewer people having health insurance.

The research organization also projects that the loss of individual and business income will cause state and local tax revenues to decline by $2.5 billion.

Kelley said these impacts could have ripple effects throughout the country.

“When prices for plans increase, families will have to make decisions on downgrading to cheaper plans with less coverage and higher deductibles or dropping insurance,” he explained.

“This will lead to smaller pools of insured individuals who will utilize more services, driving up costs even more. Those without coverage will delay or forego preventive care, which tends to increase healthcare costs long-term as primary prevention is lost.”

What to know about ACA 2026 enrollment

The ACA open enrollment period runs from November 1 through January 15 for health insurance coverage in 2026.

Consumers can sign up on the federal government’s healthcare.gov website. Here are some basics you should know.

If you don’t sign up during the open enrollment period, you can’t enroll or change coverage during the rest of the year unless you have a “life change” such as losing your health insurance or having a baby.

Most enrollees qualify for programs that help lower premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and deductible payments.

Most ACA plans cover 10 essential health benefits, including emergency services, hospitalization, preventive services (i.e., recommending screenings), laboratory services, and prescription drugs.

Monthly premiums are paid directly to your insurance company. Failure to pay can result in the loss of coverage.

Basic facts about Obamacare

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was approved by Congress and signed by former President Barack Obama in 2010.

The program allows consumers to purchase private health insurance plans through the federal government website or through state-operated websites.

The ACA’s primary objectives were to provide an opportunity for everyone to purchase health insurance regardless of pre-existing medical conditions or other restrictions. It also helped lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

In 2025, more than 24 million Americans had health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, the highest number of enrollees for any one year. This is more than double the number of people who signed up for coverage in 2021.

The ACA marketplace remains an important source of health insurance coverage for people who are self-employed or own small businesses, in addition to individuals and families.

Stidom said that ACA plans remain a cost-effective purchase for most households.

“It’s key to remember that ACA plans will, for most people, still be the most affordable way to obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage, which can help improve access to preventive care and provide financial protection in case of serious medical issues,” she said.

“It’s also important for people to compare plans carefully and not assume what worked this year is the right option for 2026.”

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• A new study finds that nearly one-fifth of urinary tract infections can be linked to E. coli bacteria in chicken, turkey, pork, or beef.
• The researchers say that animal-borne infections are more likely to affect people living in low-income areas, females, and older adults.
• Industrialized farming is likely encouraging the presence of the bacteria responsible for the infections.
• Best practices for the prevention of a UTI remain what they have always been: careful washing and careful maintenance of clean food-preparation surfaces.

A new study found that one in five urinary tract infections (UTIs) is associated with contaminated poultry and meat.

The research suggests that animal foods may be an under-reported source of UTIs, widening the view of UTI prevention to include a need for stronger protection of the public food supply.

The study, published in mBio on October 23, found that 18% of UTIs were linked to animal-based foods.

Chicken and turkey were seen to be the foods most closely associated with zoonotic infections. Pork was next-highest, and then beef.

Females and older adults were more likely to have UTIs than males or younger people.

UTIs are primarily caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, or E. coli. They are among the most common bacterial infections globally. E. Coli is present in both humans and animals, but recent research suggests that zoonotic transmission of E. coli from animals may be an under-recognized reservoir of infections in humans.

UTIs account for about 8 million doctor visits each year in the U.S., with about 10 in 25 females and 3 in 25 males experiencing a UTI at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, urine that looks cloudy or has an unusually unpleasant odor, and frequent urination. Antibiotics are usually effective at resolving a UTI.

The research involved 23,483 subjects with UTI in eight counties in Southern California. The researchers analyzed 12,616 E. coli isolates from retail chicken, turkey, pork, and beef purchased in the area.

The study’s authors believe that its findings are likely applicable nationwide. “These infections are likely to occur anywhere the contaminated meat is consumed,” said senior author Lance B. Price, PhD, professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University.

“Most of the meat and poultry produced in the United States is distributed across the country,” Price told Healthline.

UTIs more common in females

Around 88% of the urinary tract infections (UTIs) reported in the study occurred in females. This is not surprising since females are 30 times more likely than males to acquire a UTI.

Sherry Ross, MD, OB-GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, explained why. Ross wasn’t involved in the study.

“The female anatomy is a setup for infections of the bladder,” Ross told Healthline.

“The bladder and its tubing, called the urethra, sit directly along the length of the vagina. Urine exits the body through this very short tube. The opening of the urethra is a tiny hole right above the entrance into the vagina that leads into the bladder.”

“E. coli-contaminated meat sources can be unexpectedly transferred to the hands, and other communal surfaces,” she continued, “[and] easily be transferred by touch to the anal area. Since the anal area is near the urethra, transfer of this harmful bacteria into the bladder can occur, increasing the risk of a UTI,” Ross continued.

Socioeconomic factors influence UTI rates

Price explained that socioeconomic factors drive UTI infection rates.

“One of the bottom lines from our study is that people living in the poorest neighborhoods are at the greatest risk for getting food-borne UTIs,” he said.

“There have been lots of studies showing that UTIs are associated with both economic loss, [and] also decreased quality of life.”

“Therefore,” he said, “people who are already disadvantaged may be experiencing additional hardships due to these infections.”

People living in low socioeconomic areas had a 1.6-fold increased risk of zoonotic UTIs compared to those in favorable socioeconomic areas.

The infection rate in low socioeconomic areas was as high as 21.5%, 60% greater than that in higher-income areas.

Hispanic people had around 37% more UTIs than non-Hispanic white people at 31%.

How does E. coli get into food?

Price proposed that industrial agricultural practices are likely amplifying UTI rates caused by E. coli.

“Livestock producers could vaccinate against the highest risk strains of E. coli to eliminate them in the animals and, potentially, reduce disease in humans and the animals themselves,” Price said.

Ross noted that it was traditionally assumed that stool containing E. coli would be “transferred to the bladder during sexual activity, but now, studies show this bacteria can come directly from an animal source, if proper hand hygiene is not followed.”

“Contaminated food sources with E. coli, including meat, chicken, and turkey, can be transferred from unwashed hands to the anal area, putting women at risk for UTIs,” Price continued.

Food safety practices

In the home, you can reduce risk of zoonotic infection with strategic food safety practices.

Ross shared a few tips that can help lower the risk of acquiring a UTI.

• Practice good hygiene when handling food — Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat and during food preparation.
• Practice proper hygiene — Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom.
• Cook poultry, pork, and beef thoroughly — Avoid eating undercooked or raw animal foods.
• Avoid cross-contamination in food preparation — Do not cut raw meat on the same surfaces, including cutting boards or countertops, on which you prepare other foods.

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• A long walk may provide greater heart and longevity benefits than multiple shorter walks, even if you cover the same number of steps.
• A new study finds that a 10–15-minute walk lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to frequent shorter walks throughout the day.
• The findings suggest that the way you walk may matter as much as how much you walk. 

A new study suggests that a long daily walk may benefit your heart and overall health more than several shorter walks.

The research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, shows that how you exercise — not just how many steps you take — affects the health benefits gleaned from daily physical activity.

In a large prospective cohort study of people who were less physically active (fewer than 8,000 steps per day), participants who got most of their daily steps in through a longer walk, 15 minutes or more, had a significantly lower risk of death than those who got their steps through brief walking bouts shorter than five minutes.

The benefit also applied to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks — people who took longer walks had a substantially lower risk than those who took shorter walks.

“Walking more is good for your heart — and if you can occasionally sustain a walk for 10–15 minutes, all the better,” said Evan Brittain, MD, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who wasn’t involved in the research.

“Among people who average fewer than 8,000 steps per day, those who have an intentional practice of walking (whether they call it exercise or not) have better outcomes compared with those who walk for shorter periods,” he told Healthline.

The study, and others like it at the intersection of exercise science and preventive medicine, could eventually help reshape physical activity recommendations.

Long walks lowered death risk by 83%

The study followed 33,560 adults from the UK Biobank, a large health research database.

About 41% of participants were males, and their average age was 62. All participants were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer at the start of the study, which began between 2013 and 2015.

Those included in the study took fewer than 8,000 steps a day at the start of the trial, which researchers classified as “suboptimally active” based on current physical activity recommendations for adults. The average number of steps per day among the participants was just 5,165.

For a seven-day period, participants recorded their daily activity with a fitness tracker.

The researchers’ primary interest was how the duration of daily physical activity bouts affected mortality and cardiovascular disease.

To investigate this, participants were categorized into four groups based on their “step accumulation pattern,” which described how long their walking bouts lasted to achieve most of their daily steps.

In other words, did they engage in longer walks or more frequent, shorter ones throughout the day?
The four-step accumulation groups were:

• shorter than 5 minutes
• 5 minutes to shorter than 10 minutes
• 10 minutes to shorter than 15 minutes
• 15 minutes or longer

Most participants (about 43%) accumulated their steps in bouts lasting less than five minutes. Only 8% engaged in long walks of 15 minutes or more.

Despite relatively few people taking long walks, the study suggests they reaped the greatest benefits.

Over an average follow-up of 8 years, the cohort had 735 deaths and 3,119 cardiovascular events, disproportionately affecting the short walk group. Those who preferred the shortest walks (under 5 minutes) had 4.36% all-cause mortality. That fell to just .80% in the long walk group (15 minutes or longer), an 83% lower relative mortality risk.

Cardiovascular disease risk followed a similar pattern. Participants who took short walks had a 13% rate of cardiovascular events, compared with 4.39% among those in the long-walk group — roughly one-third the risk.

Despite these compelling findings, the research comes with some caveats. Brittain notes that there are limitations to the study’s design and observational nature.

“We should be cautious about assuming a short snapshot of step data predicts events nearly a decade later,” he said. “We need more longitudinal and real-world physical activity data from patients seeking care.”

The authors admit that it’s not clear why, from a physiological perspective, longer walks would promote greater health benefits. However, they suggest that longer bouts may be necessary to activate key components of the body’s cardiometabolic systems, such as insulin sensitivity.

How to be active every day

While the findings suggest that longer walks may offer greater health benefits than shorter ones, any exercise is better than none.

However, this should make you consider taking time specifically for physical activity rather than just incidental exercise from your daily activities.

“While any activity is better than none for maximal benefit, folks who are more sedentary likely need to be exercising with intention — getting quality exercise bouts as opposed to hitting a specific step count,” said Sarah F. Eby, MD, PhD, a sports medicine specialist at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine and assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School. Eby wasn’t involved in the research.

Strategies for how you can incorporate more (and longer) walks into your day, according to Brittain, include:

• taking a 10–15 minute walk after a meal
• parking farther away from your destination and walking
• scheduling calls during walks
• inviting coworkers for walking meetings

If you’re trying to get a little extra boost out of your walk, you can also try “Japanese walking,” an interval walking exercise designed to gently get your heart rate up.

Despite walking being generally accessible, Eby points out that for some individuals, that may not be the case.

Some individuals may only find they have time for daily exercise through shorter bouts of activity. Socioeconomic status is also a factor.

“Folks with lower income levels tend to have less flexibility with work schedules and often live in more polluted areas that lack adequate, safe, walking infrastructure,” Eby said.

Additionally, for people with certain conditions, like knee arthritis, long walks may not be an ideal form of daily physical activity.

“Anytime I’m working with patients, I like to explore their values and goals to craft an exercise regimen with these in mind. If we can find a way to make exercise meaningful or enjoyable for the otherwise exercise-hesitant individual, that will go a long way in promoting adherence to regular exercise,” Eby said.

• A study has found that early menopause is linked with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
• Early natural menopause was associated with a 27% higher relative risk of developing the condition.
• Experts say recognizing this risk factor can lead to earlier intervention and prevention strategies.
• Lifestyle changes and hormone therapy can have positive metabolic benefits.

Those who experience early natural menopause may face a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health problems that can raise the odds of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

A new large-scale study has found that early natural menopause is linked to a 27% higher relative risk of metabolic syndrome compared to menopause that occurs later in life.

The research was presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in Orlando, October 21–25.

These findings, which have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, underscore the importance of early screening and prevention for millions of females.

Effects of age at menopause onset

To conduct their research, the scientists analyzed electronic health records from more than 234,000 females who experienced natural menopause between the ages of 30 and 60. 

The study criteria excluded those whose menopause was induced by bilateral oophorectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy to focus solely on cases of natural menopause.

The team investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome — defined as having a combination of risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and high triglycerides — and examined how this prevalence varied based on the age at menopause. 

These conditions, when present together, dramatically increase the odds of developing serious chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

To determine the relationship between age at menopause and metabolic risk, the researchers categorized menopause as “early” or “late” and compared rates of metabolic syndrome across those groups. 

They also adjusted for potential confounding factors such as medication use, race, and body mass index (BMI). 

This comprehensive adjustment was critical to ensuring that the observed associations were not simply due to differences in lifestyle, genetics, or other medical conditions.

Early menopause and metabolic syndrome risk

Overall, 11.7% of those included in the study developed metabolic syndrome. 

However, when the researchers broke down the data, they found notable differences based on age at menopause. 

Among those who went through menopause early, 13.5% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, only 10.8% of those with later menopause had the condition.

That difference translated into a 27% increased relative risk for metabolic syndrome among those experiencing early natural menopause.

Additionally, this heightened risk persisted even after researchers adjusted for other factors that could influence health outcomes, such as BMI, race, and use of certain medications.

Study co-author Shefali Setia Verman, PhD, assistant professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized that the age at which a person experiences menopause is more than just a reproductive milestone.

Verman said that the age of menopause onset can be a powerful signal of long-term cardiometabolic risk.

“Recognizing early menopause as a marker for metabolic syndrome gives clinicians a crucial window to identify at-risk women sooner and intervene earlier to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other complications,” Verman said in a press release.

The study’s findings also suggest that age at natural menopause could serve as an important clinical indicator for metabolic risk during postmenopause.

Identifying early menopause as a risk factor may help healthcare providers prioritize screening for metabolic syndrome and related conditions, such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, in those who fall into this category.

Stephanie Faubion, MD, MBA, medical director for The Menopause Society, noted in the same press release that the study adds to a growing body of evidence linking premature and early menopause with increased risk for adverse health outcomes.

“The more we can understand these potential risks, the better our ability to intervene early in order to offset these risks,” she said.

Lifestyle changes to prevent metabolic syndrome

Alexandra Ward, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Center at Jersey City Medical Center, part of RWJBarnabas Health Heart and Vascular, said these findings serve as an important reminder of how heart health and hormonal transitions like menopause are interrelated. Ward wasn’t involved in the study.

“Most won’t immediately associate metabolic issues with cardiovascular conditions, but metabolic syndrome markers include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels, all of which can increase risk of heart disease,” Ward told Healthline.

If you have experienced or are experiencing early menopause, Ward advised eating a heart-healthy diet focusing on lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. She also suggested limiting processed foods and sugary drinks.

“Stay physically active, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise like walking or swimming per week, plus strength or resistance training twice a week,” Ward said.

Ward further recommended keeping an eye on key risk factors, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, by getting these checked regularly.

“In addition to getting your risk factors checked, be sure that you know what those numbers are and what your goal numbers are,” she said. “Work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that works for you to reach your goals.”

Ward noted that weight gain is “a common side effect” of menopause, so it’s important to work to maintain a healthy body weight.

Ayla Barmmer, registered dietitian and herbalist and founder and CEO of FullWell Fertility, said that a Mediterranean diet and twice-weekly resistance training can help reduce certain risk factors. Barmmer wasn’t involved in the study.

Targeted supplementation based on your own individual needs can also be beneficial, but it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor first.

“Vitamin D at 1000–2000 IU daily reduces insulin resistance and triglycerides, while omega-3 fatty acids at 900-1000 mg daily provide additional metabolic benefits,” said Barmmer.

Barmmer noted that carefully timed hormone therapy (HT) is an option for some individuals.

However, she cautioned that an individualized risk-benefit assessment should be performed by your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Barmmer stressed the importance of pairing diet and lifestyle interventions with hormone therapy rather than choosing only one or the other.

“The key is early, comprehensive intervention,” she said. “Women experiencing early menopause should work closely with their healthcare team to implement these evidence-based strategies promptly, as the metabolic changes begin quickly after estrogen decline.”

• A large new study found that the side effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
• Some medications resulted in weight loss, while others resulted in weight gain.
• Heart rate and blood pressure also differed notably among medications. 
• Those experiencing persistent, severe, or concerning side effects should speak with a healthcare professional.

New research has found that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than previously thought. 

The large-scale study, published on October 21 in The Lancet, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of starting treatment. 

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly used to treat depression. While not everyone develops side effects, some of the most common noted in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers. 

There were striking differences between antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

There were also notable changes in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to slow heart rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a gap of about 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of antidepressants and their side effects.

Antidepressant side effects include a wide range

Sharon Batista, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Mount Sinai Hospital, said the study’s findings aren’t new or surprising to psychiatrists.

“We’ve long known that different antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures,” Batista, who wasn’t involved in the study, told Healthline.

“However, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these differences across a wide range of physiological parameters using data from over 58,000 participants,” she said. 

Batista explained that the study provides robust evidence of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant side effects may include: 

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (gain or loss, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant side effects may include: 

• increases in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

“One thing to note here is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the different adverse medication side effects,” Whitley Lassen, PsyD, MBA, clinical psychologist and head of operations at Willow Behavioral Health, told Healthline. Lassen wasn’t involved in the study.

“Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect each person differently, and adverse side effects can vary depending on the specific drug, dosage, and individual factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions.” 

While some side effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly common and often improve over time, Lassen said others may be less typical or more persistent.

Talk with your doctor about severe side effects

Antidepressant side effects may range in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

“A change in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient experiences persistent or intolerable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures,” Batista said.

“Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for example, hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain.” 

You may also consider talking with your doctor about any lack of meaningful improvement in depressive or anxiety symptoms after an adequate trial period. Batista said an adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose. 

Patient preference is also important. Batista said that some people may want to avoid certain side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or weight gain. 

Sometimes there will be red flag side effects that suggest changing medication is necessary. These may include:

• new or worsening suicidal thoughts, especially in the first weeks of treatment or after dose changes
• signs of serotonin syndrome (confusion, agitation, fever, muscle rigidity)
• significant, unexplained weight gain or loss
• marked increases in blood pressure or heart rate
• severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• jaundice or dark urine (possible liver injury)
• hyponatremia symptoms (confusion, seizures, severe headache)

In some cases, you should reach out to your healthcare provider straight away. 

“Thoughts of wishing you were dead, feeling like you don’t want to be here, thinking about harming yourself or others, or experiencing serious suicidal thoughts are major warning signs that require immediate attention,” Lassen warned. 

Managing antidepressant side effects 

Side effects are an expected outcome of taking any kind of medication. If you’re experiencing side effects from your antidepressants that are disruptive, there are some strategies that can help make them more manageable.

Batista said adjusting the timing of your doses may be helpful. “Taking sedating antidepressants at night or activating ones in the morning can help manage sleep-related side effects,” she said.

Supporting your physical health can also be beneficial. Batista advised regularly monitoring your weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters, and adhering to a balanced diet and regular exercise to mitigate weight gain and metabolic changes.

Hydration, nutrition, and good sleep hygiene are also key. “Ensuring adequate fluid intake and a diet rich in fiber can help with constipation and other gastrointestinal side effects,” Batista said.

“Meanwhile, establishing a consistent sleep routine and minimizing caffeine or screen time before bed can help with insomnia.” 

If you’re experiencing psychological side effects, collaborative care may be the most effective tool in your mental health toolbox. 

Batista recommended working with a therapist or counselor to address emotional blunting, apathy, or other psychological side effects, and to support adherence and coping strategies.

Ultimately, antidepressant side effects vary greatly, but if you’re experiencing anything severe, persistent, or worrying, it should be discussed with your healthcare team right away.

Choosing the right antidepressant

The decision to switch antidepressants is an important one that should be made in collaboration with your doctor.

“Together, you can weigh the potential benefits of treatment against possible side effects to determine what approach best supports your mental health recovery,” Lassen said.

“When choosing a medication, health care professionals typically consider several key factors, including the specific mental health symptoms being treated, any co-occurring medical conditions, family history of medication response, medication interactions, and the side effect profiles of different options,” she continued. 

These elements help guide a more tailored and effective treatment plan.

Lassen said that your voice as the patient matters, too. 

“While your healthcare professional who prescribes medications, such as a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner, brings medical expertise to the process, your voice and preferences are equally important,” she said.

“Sharing your goals, past experiences with medications, and concerns about side effects helps ensure the decision is truly collaborative, leading to a treatment plan that feels both safe and empowering for you.” 

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