Beta blockers that don't cause weight gain
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Beta Blockers That Don't Cause Weight Gain
Introduction to Beta Blockers and Weight Gain
Beta blockers are commonly prescribed for managing hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. However, a significant concern with their use is the potential for weight gain, which can complicate obesity management and overall health outcomes1 2. This article explores the relationship between beta blockers and weight gain, highlighting specific beta blockers that may not contribute to this issue.
General Impact of Beta Blockers on Weight
Several studies have documented that beta blockers can lead to weight gain. In a systematic analysis of eight randomized controlled trials, beta blockers were associated with an average weight gain of 1.2 kg over six months1. This weight gain is thought to be due to a reduction in metabolic rate by approximately 10% and other negative effects on energy metabolism2. Additionally, beta blockers can decrease exercise tolerance, further contributing to weight gain7.
Carvedilol vs. Metoprolol: A Comparative Study
The Glycemic Effect in Diabetes Mellitus: Carvedilol-Metoprolol Comparison in Hypertensives (GEMINI) trial provides valuable insights into the differential effects of beta blockers on weight. This study found that patients taking metoprolol tartrate experienced a significant weight gain of 1.19 kg, whereas those on carvedilol did not show a significant weight change (0.17 kg)3. This suggests that carvedilol may be a preferable option for patients concerned about weight gain.
Beta Blockers in Chronic Heart Failure
In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), beta blockers are essential for improving outcomes, but they are also associated with weight gain. A study involving 276 CHF patients found an average weight increase of 0.9 kg after one year of beta blocker therapy5. However, the weight gain was more pronounced in patients with milder symptoms (NYHA class I and II) and those without peripheral edema5. Another study indicated that patients on beta blockers were less likely to develop cachexia and more likely to experience significant weight gain, which was associated with better outcomes6.
Age-Related Weight Gain with Beta Blockers
Research has also shown that the impact of beta blockers on weight can vary with age. In a study of middle-aged and elderly patients, those on beta blockers experienced more significant weight gain compared to those on ACE inhibitors, particularly in the 50-69 age group4. This suggests that age may be a factor in the extent of weight gain associated with beta blocker use.
Clinical Implications and Recommendations
Given the potential for weight gain, the use of beta blockers as first-line therapy for hypertension in overweight or obese patients should be carefully considered. Alternatives such as ACE inhibitors, which have a more favorable impact on weight, may be preferable in these populations4 7. For patients who require beta blockers, carvedilol may be a better option compared to metoprolol due to its lesser association with weight gain3.
Conclusion
While beta blockers are effective for managing hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions, they are often associated with weight gain. Carvedilol appears to be an exception, making it a suitable choice for patients concerned about weight. Clinicians should consider the potential for weight gain when prescribing beta blockers, especially in overweight or obese patients, and explore alternative treatments when appropriate.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Hypothesis: Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and weight gain: A systematic analysis.
Beta-blockers may cause initial weight gain in obese hypertensive patients, making obesity management more challenging.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedUse of beta‐blockers in obesity hypertension: potential role of weight gain
Beta-blockers may cause weight gain in overweight hypertensive patients, making obesity management more challenging, questioning their use as first-line therapy.
Highly CitedBody weight changes with beta-blocker use: results from GEMINI.
Metoprolol tartrate is associated with increased weight gain compared to carvedilol, particularly in patients with hypertension and diabetes not taking insulin therapy.
Observational StudyAntihypertensive medication with beta-blockers and ACE-inhibitors-effects on weight gain associated with ageing.
Beta-blocker therapy promotes weight gain more than ACE-inhibitor therapy in middle aged and elderly patients, while older patients show only a small increase in body weight.
Observational StudyBeta-blockers and weight change in patients with chronic heart failure.
Beta-blocker use and intensification of heart failure treatment is associated with weight gain in chronic heart failure patients, particularly in those without peripheral edema and with functional class I and II symptoms.
Observational StudyEffect of beta-adrenergic blockade on weight changes in patients with chronic heart failure.
Beta-blocker therapy in patients with chronic heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction reduces the risk of cachexia and significant weight gain, leading to better outcomes.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalAntihypertensive Medications and Weight Gain
Blockers, a class of antihypertensive medications, can cause weight gain due to altered metabolism and decreased physical activity, potentially impacting obese patients with hypertension.
Beta-blockers, hypertension, and weight gain: the farmer, the chicken, and the egg.
Beta-blockers use is associated with a higher prevalence of obesity in elderly Cantonese-speaking Chinese individuals, but the cause and effect remain unclear.
Observational StudyEffect of an aerobic exercise training program on resting metabolic rate in chronically beta-adrenergic blocked hypertensive patients.
Beta-blockers limit the increase in resting metabolic rate after an aerobic exercise training program, making weight loss more difficult for overweight and sedentary individuals.
The association between weight-promoting medication use and weight gain in postmenopausal women: findings from the Women's Health Initiative
Antidepressants, beta-blockers, and insulin are associated with weight gain in postmenopausal women over a 3-year period.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous Journal