Beta-blockers and their effects on protein metabolism and resting energy expenditure

In summary, beta-adrenergic receptor blocking medications have numerous metabolic side effects. Recent evidence indicates that this class of drug acutely decreases whole-body metabolic rate and increases protein oxidation in the resting human. The result of this metabolic perturbation may be a deleterious change in body composition and perhaps a creeping increase in body weight, if no subsequent alterations are made in food consumption or activity patterns. Research indicates that long-term treatment with beta-blockade may increase body fat and decrease the fat-free tissue content of the organism. Exercise is known to favorably affect body composition by decreasing percent body fat, while increasing the fat-free body tissue. Beginning a regular, moderate exercise program may help ameliorate these deleterious nutritional side effects of long-term beta-blocker therapy. Additionally, the recommendation to engage in a moderate exercise program is further indicated because of the underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology that originally required long-term beta-adrenergic treatment.