Dietary effects of culinary herbs and spices on body weight in patients on antidepressants and antipsychotics

INTERVENTION: One of the most common side effects of antidepressants are largely believed to cause weight gain in their users. This study aims to examine if consuming normal kitchen spices and herbs "4 herb mixture" affects body weight or depression in people who are on antidepressants. The herb mixture includes: : A mixture of red chili powder, black pepper, ginger, and turmeric ‐ the dose administered: three times every day. ‐ the duration of administration: 90 days Capsules contained 150 mg of each of the four selected herbs and spices to a total of 600 mg herb and spice per capsule and 1800 mg per day The strategy used to monitor adherence to the intervention is capsule return and a food diary that should be filled out on a daily basis and brought to the research team on the appointments times. CONDITION: Depression Obesity PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in body fat assessed using DEXA scan, Change in body weight assessed using a weight scale SECONDARY OUTCOME: Change in C‐reactive protein levels assessed using blood samples Change in depression levels assessed using SCID‐5 INCLUSION CRITERIA: Groups that require participants on antidepressants: 1‐ Age range: 18‐54 years 2‐ People who are diagnosed with depression and are currently on prescribed antidepressants. Group that requires non‐depressed participants: 1‐ Age range: 18‐54 years 2‐ Healthy over‐weight participants who their BMI is between 25‐30