Can Metoprolol Cause Weight Gain?

Posted on Tue, 13 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 3 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
I am taking metoprolol for increased BP. I started approximately 10 months ago. I first started taking 12.5mg and then went to 25 mg in the last 6 months. I have gained 25 pounds out of nowhere. I have not changed my eating habits nor my work out/gym schedule. I finally figured this could be a connection. I will be honest....I am also in menopause but like i said before I eat the Paleo diet and excerise and i cannot control my weight. I believe it could be a combination of menopause and metoprolol. It is out of control.....and I think I just put two and two together. Is there another medication I could take without the side effect of weight gain? Can you give me any other advise for way of eating or excerise plan? Please help!! Thank you, XXXXXXX

My weight gain alone is causing me to have increased blood pressure.
Took my BP today and it was 104/76.

DO you know how much longer I would be getting a response?
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes beta blockers can contribute to weight gain

Detailed Answer:
Yes beta blockers can cause or potentiate weight gain. Your present BP is fine albeit being bit low. There are plenty of other class of medicines that you can take. Looking at the information you have provided the ARBs are best class of drugs and you may start on about 20mg of telmisartan if your creatinine and electrolytes are normal. That would prevent further weight gain However what you have already gained you need to loose it by intensifying your exercise and diet. You need to consult a ditician to get specific diet recommendations

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj