ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which type of medications can either facilitate or significantly hamper weight loss?

1. Antidepressant

2. Antipsychotic

3. Psychostimulant

4. Psychotropic

The correct answer is: Psychotropic

The term "psychotropic" encompasses a wide range of medications that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior. This category includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, and psychostimulants, which can all influence weight in different ways. Some psychotropic medications can lead to weight gain as a side effect, while others, particularly certain types of psychostimulants, can facilitate weight loss. Understanding the nuances of psychotropic medications is crucial because they can impact an individual’s appetite and metabolic processes differently. For instance, certain antidepressants might cause weight gain, while others might not have this effect, and psychostimulants like those used in ADHD treatment often suppress appetite, leading to weight loss. This variability reflects the complexity of how mental health medications interact with physiological processes related to weight. By recognizing that the psychotropic category includes medications with diverse effects on weight, one can appreciate the importance of medication management in health coaching, especially for clients working towards weight loss or maintenance goals.