Beta Blockers and Weight Gain: 5 Things You Should Know
Key takeaways:
Some beta blockers can cause an average weight gain of 2 lbs to 3 lbs in the first few months of treatment. Some people may also find it harder to lose weight while taking a beta blocker.
Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), atenolol (Tenormin), and propranolol are more likely to cause weight gain than other beta blockers.
If you’re taking a beta blocker for heart failure and notice rapid weight gain, let your healthcare provider know right away. This could be a sign of worsening heart failure.
Beta blockers are commonly used to treat certain heart-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
This drug class is generally well-tolerated by most people. But there’s been speculation surrounding weight gain and beta blockers. Do beta blockers really cause weight gain? If so, what can you do about it? Let’s discuss five things to know about beta blockers and weight gain.
1. Not all beta blockers cause weight gain
Although it’s not a common side effect, certain beta blockers may cause weight gain in some people. And if you’re trying to lose weight, they can make it harder for you to shed those extra pounds.
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Not all beta blockers are the same in regards to their effects on weight gain. Some beta blockers are more likely to cause this side effect than others.
Studies show that three beta blockers are most likely to cause weight gain, and they include:
Atenolol (Tenormin)
2. Weight gain from beta blockers is usually limited to a few pounds
The total average weight gain caused by beta blockers is usually around 2 lbs to 3 lbs (around 1.2 kg). It’s also usually limited to the first few months of treatment. Weight gain generally stops once your body has adjusted to the medication. For some, this amount of weight may not seem significant. But if you’re already struggling to maintain or lose weight, this may make things more difficult.
Some people may experience more weight gain than others. And studies show that certain beta blockers may have a greater potential to affect your weight than others. Metoprolol and propranolol may cause a gain of up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg). Atenolol seems to be the worst culprit, with possible weight changes of up to 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg).
But atenolol and propranolol may also cause a small amount of weight loss (up to a pound) in some people. Metoprolol, though, hasn’t been connected to weight loss.
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3. There are a couple of reasons why beta blockers may affect your weight
There are two theories as to why beta blockers cause weight gain.
The first one has to do with their effects on your metabolism. Some small studies suggest that beta blockers can slow down your metabolism by as much as 50%. This prevents your body from efficiently converting food into energy. Instead, these calories are stored in your body. Over time, excess calories can result in weight gain.
The second theory involves your ability to exercise while taking a beta blocker. A commonly reported side effect of beta blockers is fatigue. Feelings of tiredness and weakness can prevent you from wanting to exercise or engage in physical activities. Additionally, it can lower the quality and duration of your workouts. This leads to fewer calories being burned, which can ultimately cause weight gain.
4. There are ways to manage weight gain from beta blockers (and keep your heart healthy, too)
Not everyone taking a beta blocker will experience weight gain. But if you want to be proactive and avoid weight gain while taking a beta-blocker, there are some simple ways to do so.
One step is to make sure you eat a well-balanced diet that consists of mainly whole foods. Try to reduce your consumption of foods and beverages that are high in sugar. Most importantly, make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Not only is hydration important to keep you healthy, drinking water may also help with weight loss. This is especially true if you’re replacing beverages such as soda or juice that are high in sugar and calories.
Keeping up with a regular exercise routine can also help with weight management while on a beta blocker. Exercise also has the added bonus of helping your heart stay healthy. It doesn’t really matter what type of workouts you choose to do — the important thing is consistency. Whether it’s walking, weight-lifting, or yoga, make sure it’s something that you actually enjoy doing. Start slow and ease yourself into the workouts to avoid injuring yourself and getting burned out.
If you still find it difficult to manage your weight while taking a beta blocker, talk to your healthcare provider. They may switch you to a different beta blocker or a medication in another drug class
5. Rapid weight gain could be a medical emergency
Weight gain caused by beta blockers should be gradual and generally occurs over a couple of months. But if you’re taking a beta blocker for heart failure and notice rapid weight gain, it could be the sign of a more serious issue.
A weight gain of more than 2 to 3 pounds within a 24-hour period (or more than 5 pounds within a week) could be a sign that your heart failure is worsening. This could also mean your medications are not working as well as they should be.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have rapid weight gain, especially if you also have any of these symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Feeling dizzy or light headed
Nausea
Swelling of your feet, legs, and stomach
When should I contact my healthcare provider about weight gain from beta blockers?
Everyone has a different level of comfort when it comes to their body weight. If you start taking a beta blocker and experience weight gain that’s bothersome for you, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine what the cause is and how to manage it.
If your weight gain is rapid, or occurs along with difficulty breathing or swelling in your legs and feet, contact your provider right away. These could be signs that your heart isn’t working the way it should be.
The bottom line
Beta blockers are effective medications for treating several heart-related conditions. Certain beta blockers, like atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol, may cause weight gain in some people. Weight gain is generally gradual and averages around 2 lbs to 3 lbs over the first few months of treatment.
If you’re taking a beta blocker and concerned about weight gain, talk to your healthcare provider about other options. If you experience rapid weight gain over a short period of time, let your healthcare provider know right away. This could be a sign that your medication isn’t working the way it should be.
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References
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American Heart Association. (2017). Managing heart failure symptoms.
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