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You can't gain weight without eating more. According to Why Does Lithium Cause Weight Gain? lithium binds to a receptor 5-HT1B which influences the serotonine system influencing your mood, and also your appetite. This is the 1999 paper by Olivier Massot they refer to 5-HT1B Receptors: A Novel Target for Lithium: Possible Involvement in Mood Disorders.
WEIGHT GAIN AND FATIGUE MAY BE HORMONAL. Lithium is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder. It can be helpful for improving mood stability and reducing symptoms of mania. However, there are some risks and side effects that come with this medication. A frequent side effect of lithium is weight gain. After taking lithium for a period of time, it causes changes in your metabolism. It can decrease your production of thyroid hormones, and therefore cause hypothyroidism.