Hypothesis: Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and weight gain: A systematic analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed for hypertension.
• Concerns exist regarding their adverse metabolic effects, including impacts on lipids and insulin sensitivity.
• Weight gain is a less-discussed but potential side effect of beta-blocker therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of beta-blockers on body weight in patients.
• To analyze the time course and magnitude of weight changes associated with beta-blocker use.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 8 prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with durations of at least 6 months.
• Regression analysis to assess the relationship between beta-blocker use and body weight changes over time.
• Examination of demographic characteristics in relation to weight changes.

Main Results:

• Patients receiving beta-blockers showed higher body weight compared to controls at study end (median difference: 1.2 kg).
• Weight gain was primarily observed during the initial months of beta-blocker treatment, with no further significant increase thereafter.
• No correlation was found between demographic factors and the extent of body weight change.

Conclusions:

• Beta-blocker therapy is associated with a modest but significant increase in body weight.
• The findings suggest a need to review the first-line use of beta-blockers in obese hypertensive patients.
• Weight management in overweight hypertensive patients may be complicated by beta-blocker treatment.