Nisha Reddy Nisha Reddy Asked 4 months ago

Why does tretinoin cause weight gain?

My dermatologist prescribed tretinoin for my acne, and it's been helping with my skin. But I've noticed I've put on a little weight since I started using it. Can this cream actually cause weight gain?

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12 answers

Arjun Sharma Arjun Sharma Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago
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Honestly, Tretinoin is primarily a topical retinoid for skin issues; significant weight gain isn't a widely recognized direct side effect for most users. If you're experiencing weight gain, it's more likely due to other factors like diet, activity levels, or other medications. Don't waste time self-diagnosing; schedule a quick chat with your dermatologist or GP to rule out other causes.

Deepa Sharma Deepa Sharma Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

That's an interesting observation, because tretinoin is usually a topical cream for skin, not something that typically causes weight gain like some oral medications. Are you on any other medications or have your habits changed? My daughter uses it for acne, and we haven't seen any weight changes. You should definitely discuss this with your doctor to find the real cause.

Priya Sharma Priya Sharma Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

That's an interesting concern! From what I understand, Tretinoin is a topical retinoid and is generally not associated with systemic side effects like weight gain when used as prescribed. If you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, it's really important to consider other factors like changes in diet, activity level, stress, or other medications you might be taking. Definitely bring this up with your prescribing doctor.

Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

Beta, from my time, Tretinoin was always a skin cream, used for making face clear. Weight gain is not something we associated with it. Usually, weight changes come from what you eat, how much you move, or other changes in the body with age. If you are worried, speak to your doctor, they will guide you correctly, don't get upset.

Ananya Sharma Ananya Sharma Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Wait, Tretinoin makes you gain weight? Are you sure it's not just the extra snacks you're eating because your skin looks so good now, and you're celebrating? 😂 Kidding aside, it's usually just a skin thing. If you're actually gaining weight, definitely check with your doc, it might be something else entirely, not the cream!

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Vikram Sethi Vikram Sethi Joined May 2026 4 months ago

Tretinoin is generally for skin, and weight gain from it isn't a common or direct side effect. Sometimes, changes in routine or overall health can affect weight. While I always look for natural ways to feel good, for something like unexplained weight gain while on medication, please consult your doctor. They can assess your overall health, diet, and other factors better.

Gautam Reddy Gautam Reddy Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Be very careful about linking weight gain directly to a topical medication like Tretinoin. There are a lot of myths online. Weight gain is typically from diet, lifestyle, or systemic medical conditions/medications, not usually a skin cream. If you're genuinely gaining weight and concerned, get a proper medical check-up, don't rely on internet theories.

Pooja Singh Pooja Singh Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

I'm just starting to use tretinoin, and I'm a bit confused. It's a cream, right? So how can it cause weight gain if it's applied on the skin? Is it something that gets absorbed and affects the whole body? I didn't know topical medications could do that.

Anupama Kulkarni Anupama Kulkarni Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

Haan na, tretinoin toh skin ke liye hota hai. Weight gain directly usse hone ke chances bahut kam hain, actually. Usually, weight change dusre reasons se hota hai, jaise diet, ya koi aur medicine. Meri friend use karti hai, usko toh aisa kuch nahi hua. Better hai ki doctor se confirm kar lo, haan na.

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Riya Kapoor Riya Kapoor Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Oh no, really? Tretinoin causing weight gain? I'm already so conscious about my weight, this makes me anxious. Has anyone else noticed this side effect? I thought it was just for skin. Could it be linked to water retention or something subtle? I'm worried now.

Kabir Desai Kabir Desai Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Tretinoin making you gain weight? Man, if that's true, it's just another thing adding to my general exhaustion. I swear, if my skin cream makes me fat, I'm just gonna give up. More likely it's late-night snacking because I'm so tired, or maybe just aging. But definitely ask a doc, they'll know if it's the cream or just my poor life choices.

Kavita Singh Kavita Singh Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

I've tried a lot of things for skin, and tretinoin is usually topical. I haven't heard of it causing weight gain directly, that's more common with oral medications or hormonal changes. Perhaps your appetite increased, or maybe you're feeling less active because of other things? It's best to track your diet and activity, and definitely talk to your doctor about this concern.

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