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What Causes Unexplained Weight Gain Inspite Of Being On Lisinopril?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Question: I am trying to figure out if I should worry about my current symptoms. I have type 2 diabetes. I am on Janumet 50-1000MG
Atorvastatin 80Mg
Lisinopril 20Mg
I am somewhat overweight but not obese. 6' and 222lbs. Recently, I have had sever diarrhea and over the last week I have but on 8-10 pounds. I was 229.6 this morning. I am experiencing some stomach cramping. All this while I am currently training for a long distance bike race. I should be dropping weight not gaining. My diet has been good not great. I can not pin point what could be causing any of these symptoms.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Diet/medicine may be a cause

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query

The symptom of unexplained weight gain might be explained by Lisinopril. This medicine has a side effect of retaining water in the body. Therefore you may have weight gain despite all other features that should cause weight loss.

I would suggest changing to a medicine of ARB group like telmisartan if possible, but you will need to meet your primary care physician for that.

You also need to take a look at your diet pattern again. There is a possibility that your diet may have increased after starting training. This is very commonly overlooked. In this case your diet should be remodified.

I hope that helps.
Please feel free to ask a follow up query.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)
That does not explain the main issue I am having in the question. I have sever diarrhea. This has been going on for two weeks. Also, the Lisinopril is not new medication for me. I have been monitoring my caloric intake and it is not significantly changed since starting my training. I had been down to 217 pounds with the training. The weight gain has only been in the last week and somewhat coincides with the diarrhea. I am also having stomach cramps. I just do not understand why this is occurring now.
Also, I have noticed that blood sugar is elevated even with the medication. I test at 150 this morning and 130 this afternoon with only a protein shake and a cup and a half of edemamme in the husk for food.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Response in view of new information

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I understood from your query previously that the diarrhea had settled. In view of the new information-

1. Sugars can be raised despite the same medicines because of infections. Infections are a known cause of raising blood sugars. The idea is the hormonal changes that manage the stress of the body also increase the sugars. They are anabolic hormones.

2. The weight gain is probably also the effect of the same anabolic hormones. But I still say the tablet can be a possible cause even if you have been on the medicine from before. So if the weight does not settle after your infection settles, then we should consider the tablet as a possibile cause.

3. Loosestools and stomach cramps are both symptoms of gastroenteritis. If you have not already started them, its a high time to start the antibiotics. The water loss from the body may be affecting the kidneys and kidneys of a long standing diabetic are considered compromised already. Usually ciprofloxacin and metronidazole along with probiotics are considered a good option.

Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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What Causes Unexplained Weight Gain Inspite Of Being On Lisinopril?

Brief Answer: Diet/medicine may be a cause Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Mittal I have read your query The symptom of unexplained weight gain might be explained by Lisinopril. This medicine has a side effect of retaining water in the body. Therefore you may have weight gain despite all other features that should cause weight loss. I would suggest changing to a medicine of ARB group like telmisartan if possible, but you will need to meet your primary care physician for that. You also need to take a look at your diet pattern again. There is a possibility that your diet may have increased after starting training. This is very commonly overlooked. In this case your diet should be remodified. I hope that helps. Please feel free to ask a follow up query. Best of luck. Dr Mittal