{"id":629749,"date":"2024-09-11T10:49:02","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T14:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629749"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:45:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:45:10","slug":"propranolol-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/propranolol-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does propranolol cause weight gain?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Propranolol<\/span><\/a> is a <\/span>beta blocker<\/span> drug that has been around since the 1950s and still sees use for <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span>, <\/span>atrial fibrillation<\/span>, essential tremor, and migraine prevention, among other <\/span>health conditions<\/span>. <\/span>Propranolol<\/span> is also known by the <\/span>brand name<\/span> of its <\/span>extended-release<\/span> version, <\/span>Inderal<\/span> LA<\/span><\/a>. Seven decades of use have resulted in plenty of accumulated knowledge about <\/span>propranolol<\/span>’s benefits and insight into its <\/span>side effects<\/span>. One such unfortunate <\/span>side effect<\/span> is <\/span>weight gain<\/span>. Multiple reports have arisen connecting <\/span>propranolol<\/span> therapy to <\/span>weight gain<\/span>, so if you are thinking about starting <\/span>propranolol tablets<\/span>, you should look further into this association.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does <\/span>propranolol<\/span> cause <\/span>weight gain<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Weight gain<\/span> is not listed among the <\/span>side effects of propranolol<\/span> on its <\/span>drug label<\/span><\/a>. Instead, effects like <\/span>allergic reaction<\/span>, <\/span>shortness of breath<\/span>, <\/span>slow heartbeat<\/span>, <\/span>lightheadedness<\/span>, fatigue, and <\/span>low blood pressure<\/span> are listed. This likely means <\/span>weight gain<\/span> was not detected in the initial drug studies many years ago. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, subsequent research suggests there is an association. A <\/span>40-month study<\/span><\/a> involving over three thousand patients randomized participants to either take <\/span>propranolol<\/span> or placebo, an inactive tablet. After a year, those on <\/span>propranolol<\/span> gained about two and a half pounds more than those on placebo, and that weight differential remained fairly stable and persistent through the end of the three-year study. <\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>review article<\/span><\/a> citing case reports of individual patients indicated that <\/span>weight gain<\/span> on <\/span>propranolol<\/span> could be upwards of twenty pounds. That does not mean everyone will gain that much or gain any weight. A six-month study found that <\/span>8% of patients<\/span><\/a> with <\/span>migraine headaches<\/span><\/a> taking <\/span>propranolol<\/span> gained weight. Collectively, the research indicates a modest potential to put on some pounds, and if so, the amount is usually not profound, although more significant <\/span>weight gain<\/span> can occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does <\/span>propranolol<\/span> cause <\/span>weight gain<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gaining weight<\/span> results from an imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended, or less commonly, from fluid accumulation. Although <\/span>propranolol<\/span> and another beta blocker like it can trigger congestive <\/span>heart failure<\/span> decompensation in certain situations, they generally do not cause fluid retention otherwise. <\/span><\/p>\n

Weight gain<\/span> with <\/span>propranolol<\/span> is more likely to result from reduced calories expended. <\/span>Studies<\/span><\/a> indicate that our metabolism burns fewer calories and promotes higher <\/span>blood sugar levels<\/span> while on <\/span>beta blockers<\/span>. In addition, fatigue is a <\/span>common side effect<\/span>, and when a tired individual moves less, fewer calories are utilized, resulting in <\/span>weight gain<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\tSign up for our newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t

<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n

Other <\/span>beta blockers<\/span> and <\/span>weight gain<\/span><\/h2>\n

Propranolol<\/span> is not alone among <\/span>beta blockers<\/span> in its effects on weight. <\/span>Tenormin<\/span><\/a> (atenolol) has also been linked to a similar extent of <\/span>weight gain<\/span>, and this is most likely a class effect shared amongst other beta blockers, like <\/span>Toprol XL<\/span><\/a> (extended-release metoprolol). <\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>non-randomized study<\/span><\/a> comparing different <\/span>beta blockers<\/span> used among overweight and obese patients attempting to lose weight found that third-generation beta blockers, like <\/span>Coreg<\/span><\/a> (carvedilol) and <\/span>Bystolic<\/span><\/a> (nebivolol), seemed to be more favorable for weight loss than other members of the class. This may be due to their additional influence on blood vessel dilation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concerns about weight are one reason why <\/span>beta blockers<\/span> are not first-line treatment options for <\/span>hypertension<\/span>. <\/span>Diuretics<\/span><\/a> and angiotensin-converting enzyme <\/span>inhibitors<\/span> (<\/span>ACE <\/span>inhibitors<\/span><\/a>) are drug classes that <\/span>effectively lower blood pressure<\/span><\/a> while not creating a tendency for <\/span>weight gain<\/span>. <\/span>Calcium<\/span> channel blockers<\/span><\/a>, another alternative antihypertensive, may lead to fluid retention but not <\/span>weight gain<\/span> otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to avoid <\/span>propranolol<\/span> weight gain<\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n

For each of its indications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (<\/span>FDA<\/span>), such as treatment of <\/span>angina<\/span> or <\/span>chest pain<\/span><\/a> from <\/span>heart disease<\/span>, <\/span>heart rate<\/span> control when the <\/span>heart rhythm<\/span> is disturbed, and risk reduction after a <\/span>heart attack<\/span>, as well as its off-label uses for performance anxiety and overactive <\/span>thyroid<\/span>, <\/span>propranolol<\/span> is not the only choice. Alternatives are available, but in some cases, <\/span>propranolol<\/span> may be the best option for efficacy at an affordable price. If so, get the <\/span>medical advice<\/span> of your <\/span>healthcare provider<\/span> to see if measures like the following can be taken to prevent <\/span>weight gain<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n