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Do Beta-blockers Cause Weight Gain And Joint Aches?
Question: Do Beta-Blockers cause weight gain and achy joints. Ever since I have been on Metoprolol (toprol generic)I have gained 25lbs and my joints hurt so bad I am no longer able to get on my knees for anything. My other joints also ache, but I have the most trouble with my legs (cramping while walking, hips aching etc. I am only 56 years old and have had a triple heart by-pass of which two have failed. I am a long term type one diabetic but have never had high cholesteral or high blood pressure. Up until my heart surgery, which came as a total suprise I never took any medication except insulin.
Brief Answer:
Should exclude fat deposit from fluid retention...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the situation you are in.
If I was your caring doctor would determine the type of weight gain you are experiencing as first thing:
- is it due to fluid retention?
- fast deposit?
It is true that metoprolol use is associated with weight gain, however, weight might be increased only for few pounds (3 or 5) and non more.
You are reporting to gain more than that. So, other causes should be looked for.
As I go through your medical history, you mention to be a long term type 1 diabetic who is getting treated with insulin. Please bare in mind that insulin use is associated with weight gain due to fat deposit induced by insulin intake.
Next, you are reporting to have a heart surgery, but need to know :
- the stage of your heart failure
- if you are having edema in the legs (swollen legs in the afternoon or during the day)
- your kidney status
in order to exclude fluid retention weight gain (due to heart failure, kidney failure).
Hope it answered to your queries! Looking forward to have the requested data in!
Dr.Albana
Should exclude fat deposit from fluid retention...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the situation you are in.
If I was your caring doctor would determine the type of weight gain you are experiencing as first thing:
- is it due to fluid retention?
- fast deposit?
It is true that metoprolol use is associated with weight gain, however, weight might be increased only for few pounds (3 or 5) and non more.
You are reporting to gain more than that. So, other causes should be looked for.
As I go through your medical history, you mention to be a long term type 1 diabetic who is getting treated with insulin. Please bare in mind that insulin use is associated with weight gain due to fat deposit induced by insulin intake.
Next, you are reporting to have a heart surgery, but need to know :
- the stage of your heart failure
- if you are having edema in the legs (swollen legs in the afternoon or during the day)
- your kidney status
in order to exclude fluid retention weight gain (due to heart failure, kidney failure).
Hope it answered to your queries! Looking forward to have the requested data in!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
All of my blood work and tests seem to be quite normal. As far as the stage of heart failure, I am not aware of heart failure. I am not getting enough blood supply to my heart fast enough at this point but my actual heart is in pretty good shape. I do take a small dose of a fluid pill but don't seem to be retaining a lot of fluid. My insulin intake has been the same for many years as I am on a pump and a diabetic diet. I know I don't get as much arobic exercise as b/4 my heart surgery but still try and walk 2 miles at least 2 to 3 times a week. I am probably eating less calories than I have in my whole life and just can't figure out the inability of losing this extra weight and having some energy. I know its not all my heart. It is either my thyroid or some medication I am on and I am just sick of trying to figure it out. My last thyroid test came back normal TSH, The one b/4 that T3 was high T4 low and TSH low. I know my body and something is wrong!
Brief Answer:
Insulin/metoprolol/lack of physical activity....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for following up.
At this point, there are multiple explanations to your case:
- insulin use (although you are reporting no change in dosage for the recent years)
- metoprolol
- lack of physical activity
as all other parameters fall within the normal range.
You can discuss about these causes with your doctor in order to change dosage or therapy and see the results.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
Insulin/metoprolol/lack of physical activity....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for following up.
At this point, there are multiple explanations to your case:
- insulin use (although you are reporting no change in dosage for the recent years)
- metoprolol
- lack of physical activity
as all other parameters fall within the normal range.
You can discuss about these causes with your doctor in order to change dosage or therapy and see the results.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What would you suggest I ask my Dr. to check first? I'm in a quandry as to what to ask my Dr. to do. Since my Thyroid TSH is now showing in the (normal range) they don't want to try anything there and say I need to be on Beta-blocker even though I never did have high cholesterol or high blood pressure. I am so depressed! I need to know what to ask. Can you help me with that?
Brief Answer:
Following questions....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for following up.
Yes, for sure, I can help. You can ask him/her to :
- run further cardiac tests : echo-cardiogram, EKG, holter monitoring to evaluate your heart function and rate (for possible heart failure)
- examine your lower blood vessels status through deep vein Doppler ultrasound
- check the dosage of the meds you are currently taking and to change their dosage according to your health condition
You can also prepare a good menu plan with foods you should consume every day together with scheduling physical training appointments.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Albana
Following questions....
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for following up.
Yes, for sure, I can help. You can ask him/her to :
- run further cardiac tests : echo-cardiogram, EKG, holter monitoring to evaluate your heart function and rate (for possible heart failure)
- examine your lower blood vessels status through deep vein Doppler ultrasound
- check the dosage of the meds you are currently taking and to change their dosage according to your health condition
You can also prepare a good menu plan with foods you should consume every day together with scheduling physical training appointments.
Hope it helped!
Dr.Albana
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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