Will propranolol cause weight gain
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Propranolol and Weight Gain: A Comprehensive Review
Long-Term Propranolol Treatment and Weight Gain
Propranolol and Myocardial Infarction Patients
Research has shown that long-term treatment with propranolol can lead to significant weight gain. A study involving 3,837 men and women who were treated with propranolol or a placebo after a myocardial infarction found that those on propranolol gained more weight over time. Specifically, at the first annual visit, patients on propranolol had gained an average of 2.3 kg compared to 1.2 kg in the placebo group, a difference that persisted over subsequent annual visits .
Short-Term Propranolol Use and Weight Gain
Case Study on Short-Term Use
There are also reports of weight gain with short-term use of propranolol. A case study highlighted a 34-year-old woman who experienced a sharp increase in weight (3 kg) after just two weeks of low-dose propranolol treatment. This weight gain was attributed to increased appetite and overeating, suggesting that even short-term use can lead to significant weight changes .
Mechanisms Behind Propranolol-Induced Weight Gain
Biochemical and Metabolic Changes
Animal studies have provided insights into the mechanisms behind propranolol-induced weight gain. In one study, propranolol-treated rats showed significant weight gain over six weeks, along with higher insulin levels and reduced activity of lipolytic enzymes. These changes suggest that propranolol may cause insulin resistance and affect the body's ability to break down fats, leading to weight gain .
Propranolol and Weight Gain in Special Populations
Pregnancy and Chronic Liver Disease
Propranolol's effects on weight are also evident in specific populations. For instance, pregnant rats treated with high doses of propranolol gave birth to smaller neonates and experienced reduced weight gain, indicating that propranolol can affect weight and development during pregnancy . In patients with chronic liver disease, propranolol treatment was associated with increased body weight and body fat over a year, along with favorable changes in salt and water homeostasis .
Propranolol in Migraine Prevention
Weight Change in Migraine Patients
Propranolol is commonly used for migraine prevention, and weight gain is a noted side effect. A review of migraine-preventive medications found that propranolol, along with other drugs like amitriptyline and divalproex sodium, is associated with weight gain. This is a critical consideration for migraine patients, as weight gain can exacerbate the frequency and severity of migraine attacks .
Conclusion
In summary, propranolol is associated with weight gain in both short-term and long-term use across various populations. The mechanisms behind this weight gain include increased appetite, insulin resistance, and reduced lipolytic enzyme activity. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring weight in patients prescribed propranolol, especially those with conditions like myocardial infarction, chronic liver disease, and migraines.
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