Antihistamines Add Pounds.

People who use prescription antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms may be more likely than non-users to carry excess pounds. In a study of 867 adults published in Obesity, researchers found that among the 268 antihistamine users, 45% were overweight, versus 30% of the 599 study participants not on the medications. It's possible that some other factor explains the link, according to researchers. "There have been studies that show allergies and asthma themselves are associated with obesity, so these conditions themselves may have an effect."

Blocking histamine is a good thing when it comes to relieving hay fever symptoms -- but cells throughout the brain have receptors for histamine, and the chemical appears to have a hand in a number of physiological functions -- with appetite control and calorie burning being among them. So in theory, antihistamines could contribute to overeating and slower fat breakdown.

Bonnie - we reported on this last year and yet again reminds us to get to the bottom of allergies, and try to heal from the inside out. I still believe Claritin Reditabs are the safest antihistamine on the market.