(Reuters) — Blood pressure drugs known as beta-blockers could be helping to fuel the obesity epidemic, by dampening the body’s ability to burn calories and fat over the long term, researchers say in a new report.
Weight gain is a known side effect of beta blockers, particularly older ones such as atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL). Newer versions, like carvedilol (Coreg), appear to carry less risk of added pounds.
Beta-blockers are not the only medications that promote weight gain. Antidepressants, corticosteroids and some diabetes medications are among the other culprits.
But with the growing problem of obesity worldwide, researchers are starting to look into the role that medications could be playing — along with the usual suspects of poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.
In the new study, Australian researchers found that among more than 11,400 adults with high blood pressure and/or diabetes, those on beta-blockers weighed more, on average, and had larger waistlines.
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)
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Glad there’s finally a “study” on this! I gained 35 lbs. on toprol, lost it after stopping the drug. Have also gained on Benicar, even tho my diet is very good and I don’t have a sedentary lifestyle (well, except for mid-Dec. to mid-Feb.)
What a Catch-22 for millions of people. Docs saying “you have to take this drug” and also saying “you have to lose weight.”
I was put on an antidepression,Mirtazapine and also beta blockers. with life style changes and diet i was able to cut back on Beta-blockers. However I was gaining weight because of the Mirtazapine.I wanted to stay at 175 which was great for my height of 5’10”. I had gained 10 pounds and was 185.I began exercising more and cut back on portions and very little sweets. I lost the 10 pounds in 3 months. The drugs alone don’t make you gain weight,so my doctor claims,they just make you feel hungry so you eat more.
My higher BP was given to me by my ancestors so I have to take drugs. I just hike, hunt,chop wood, fish, you get it, stay active.