In a given year, major depression affects nearly 15 million adults in the US, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The condition is usually treatable with psychotherapy and medication, either individually or in combination. But while medication is often critical to a patient’s mental health, most antidepressants are associated with a weight gain of at least a few pounds.

In this guide you’ll get the basics on the symptoms and treatment of depression, the effect medications may have on your weight, and how exercise can not only help combat those side-effects, but also contribute to your recovery.