About Beta Blockers & Weight Loss

Beta blockers are prescription drugs which are designed to manage high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias. There are many different types of beta blockers such as labetalol, atenolol and metoprolol. The side effects from beta blockers can make it more difficult for some people to lose weight. Beta blockers do improve the hearts ability to relax and maintain normal pressure, but these drugs can halt weight loss by slowing the heart rate down, which can cause a person to feel tired more often.

Effects

• Heart disease and hypertension should be controlled with medications, and a person can still lose weight on beta blockers. Losing weight while on these medications will just take more time and patience. The side effects are also different for each person. Some people may not notice fatigue while others will feel extremely tired on beta blockers. Thankfully, there are ways to regain strength and endurance while taking heart medications. People on these types of medications need additional support through their diet. Eat a wide variety of foods including iron rich foods such as chicken and fish. For additional energy, you can also take b-vitamins and spirulina. Spirulina is a blue green sea algae that is a great source of protein and other vitamins.

Time Frame

• The amount of time it takes to lose weight on beta blockers depends on the individual. The time frame is different for everyone. The dosage makes a big difference as well. Some people are on higher doses, so they may notice more aggressive side effects. The time frame also depends on age and current physical activity level.

Considerations

• If you want to lose weight while taking beta blockers, you may want to consider avoiding stimulants. Stimulants like caffeine and sugar can cause your heart rate to speed up, and you may develop heart palpations as a result. Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables in addition to lean meats. Omega three fatty acids are also good for the heart and brain. These fats are needed in the diet, and they will not cause you to gain weight. Omega three fats are found in cod liver oil, flax seed oil and foods such as salmon and sunflower seeds. Exercise three to four times weekly, and drink plenty of pure water each day.

Misconceptions

• Some people believe that it is impossible to lose weight while on beta blockers. This is a total misconception. Beta blockers do not stop the weight loss process or change your metabolic rate. The only thing beta blockers do that could inhibit weight loss is cause fatigue in some people. People are often able to fight fatigue with a healthy iron rich diet and supplements. In addition, exercise will get more blood pumping and lesson the effects of fatigue, so if a person works out more often, she will eventually start to feel better and lose weight.

Significance

• Controlling high blood pressure or other heart conditions with medications is vital regardless of whether or not a person needs to lose weight. If you allow your blood pressure to stay high over time this condition will destroy every organ in the body and may take your eyesight. High blood pressure damages tiny blood vessels behind your eyes. Always keep your blood pressure under control and get your weight down with diet and exercise.