{"id":631138,"date":"2025-01-31T09:30:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T14:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631138"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:28:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:28:27","slug":"does-metoprolol-cause-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-metoprolol-cause-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does metoprolol cause weight gain?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lopressor and Toprol-XL are brand names of <\/span>metoprolol<\/span><\/a>, a beta blocker prescribed for high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart problems. It is also used in combination with other drugs to treat heart failure and improve the chance of survival after a heart attack. It slows down the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through the body. It reduces blood pressure, which helps put less strain on the heart. <\/span>Metoprolol<\/span><\/a>, like most beta blockers, has the potential to cause weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can metoprolol cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Metoprolol is a second-generation beta blocker. This type of \u201cbeta blocker can cause weight gain by affecting metabolism and increasing fluid retention,\u201d explains <\/span>Rohit Vuppuluri, DO<\/span>, a double-board certified interventional cardiologist at Chicago Heart & Vascular Specialists. Newer, third-generation beta blockers, such as carvedilol and nebivolol, are less likely to cause this side effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pamela Tambini, MD<\/span>, is an internist and medical director at Engage Wellness. She agrees that metoprolol can cause weight gain but notes that it\u2019s typically only about two to four pounds. \u201cThe weight gain tends to happen in the first few months of starting the medication and then levels off,\u201d she says. \u201cThe weight gain isn\u2019t usually dramatic, but it can feel frustrating if you\u2019re not expecting it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Please note that if you experience <\/span>sudden weight gain<\/span><\/a> while taking metoprolol, it\u2019s important to contact a healthcare professional. This could mean fluid is building up, a possible indicator of worsening heart failure. Monitor any weight changes while taking metoprolol and report them to your healthcare team.<\/span><\/p>\n

A study in <\/span>The American Journal of Medicine<\/span><\/i><\/a> found that metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) use was associated with weight gain in people with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes who were not on insulin. The average weight gain was 2.6 pounds. Another <\/span>systemic analysis<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>Hypertension<\/span><\/i> found similar results (a median of 2.6 pounds gained) when evaluating eight randomized trials that each lasted over six months.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe reason behind the weight gain isn\u2019t entirely clear,\u201d says Dr. Tambini<\/a>. \u201cStill, it\u2019s likely related to metoprolol slightly slowing metabolism, causing mild fluid retention, and possibly reducing energy levels, which might lead to less physical activity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile not everyone taking metoprolol will experience this side effect, it\u2019s something worth keeping in mind and discussing with your provider if it becomes a concern,\u201d advises Dr. Tambini.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does metoprolol make it hard to lose weight?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because <\/span>metoprolol<\/span><\/a> slows your metabolism, it stands to reason that it may make it harder to lose weight. Studies have shown this to be the case while taking metoprolol or other traditional beta blockers. A study in the <\/span>Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism<\/span><\/i><\/a> found that people who were using second-generation beta blockers (such as metoprolol and atenolol) experienced a lower percentage of weight loss than the control group, those taking third-generation beta blockers (such as carvedilol and labetalol), and those taking other antihypertensive drugs. These results held when evaluated 24 months later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for managing your weight on metoprolol<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cWhen patients share concerns about weight gain from metoprolol, I make sure to listen and validate their feelings because weight changes can be frustrating and disheartening,\u201d says Dr. Tambini. \u201cI remind them that while weight gain is a possible side effect, it\u2019s usually modest and manageable. I explain why they\u2019re taking the medication in the first place\u2014beta blockers play a crucial role in protecting their heart, lowering blood pressure, and preventing serious complications.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While beta blockers may cause weight gain, there are ways to mitigate and prevent those few extra pounds. \u201cThe best way to counteract potential weight gain from beta blockers is to focus on consistent, healthy habits,\u201d says Dr. Tambini.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Get regular exercise<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cRegular exercise is important to maintain a person’s metabolism in the appropriate range,\u201d says Dr. Vuppuluri<\/a>. It\u2019s especially true when taking a medication like metoprolol that affects metabolism. Cardiovascular exercise, specifically, is key when it comes to managing body weight. <\/span>The American Heart Association<\/span><\/a> recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. However, that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t participate in lower-impact cardiovascular exercise to get that number of minutes up. \u201cEven light activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can help keep your metabolism active,\u201d notes Dr. Tambini.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, exercise has a number of other benefits for overall health aside from weight management, such as reducing the overall risk of heart conditions, heart disease, heart attack, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, and Alzheimer\u2019s. It can also help lower blood pressure and improve sleep, cognition, and bone health while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Eat a balanced diet<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. Tambini recommends a diet that includes \u201cplenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.\u201d <\/span>The Dietary Guidelines for Americans<\/span><\/a> specifically suggest adults consume two-and-a-half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit, six ounces of grains, three cups of dairy products, and five-and-a-half ounces of protein each day. For heart health, any protein sources must be healthy and lean. According to the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <\/span><\/a>(CDC), this includes seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts, and seeds. If you have questions about what to include in your diet while taking metoprolol, consult with a dietitian or your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Avoid processed foods and excess sodium<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cAvoiding processed foods or excessive sodium can help reduce fluid retention,\u201d says Dr. Tambini. <\/span>The American Heart Association<\/span><\/a> recommends no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day for adults, particularly for those taking medication for high blood pressure, such as metoprolol. To keep <\/span>sodium intake<\/span><\/a> as low as possible, look for ways to reduce salt consumption. This includes eating fresh, frozen, or canned foods that don\u2019t have any added sauces or salt, opting for low sodium choices when selecting packaged food, and trying to avoid protein that is cured, smoked, or processed.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Monitor portion sizes<\/span><\/h3>\n

At the end of the day, weight gain comes down to calories consumed versus calories burned. It may sound simple, but it\u2019s the biggest factor in maintaining a healthy weight. <\/span>The American Heart Association<\/span><\/a> recommends keeping a food diary to track your portion sizes. You can show the food diary to your healthcare provider to discuss any changes you could make to mitigate weight gain related to taking metoprolol. It is also important to differentiate between the serving size listed in the nutritional information and portion sizes that are appropriate for maintaining a weight that is healthy for you. A serving size is a suggestion, not a recommendation. Keep track of the amount of calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates you consume in order to pinpoint the appropriate amounts in conjunction with a nutritionist, dietitian, or your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. Tambini calls staying hydrated a \u201csimple but effective strategy\u201d in managing weight gain. Multiple <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a> point to water consumption as a powerful tool in losing weight and controlling appetite. Drinking water before eating food can help you feel more satiated and, therefore, likely to eat less during your meal. It also <\/span>helps the body<\/span><\/a> remove waste via the kidneys and burn fat, as water is required for this process.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you notice you may be gaining weight while taking metoprolol, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice before stopping the medication. You can discuss any concerns of weight gain or other side effects with them first. \u201cIf weight gain becomes a bigger concern, we can always discuss alternative medications or adjust the treatment plan,\u201d says Dr. Tambini.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other side effects of metoprolol<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aside from weight gain, <\/span>metoprolol<\/span><\/a> can cause the following serious side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n