Weight Loss Diet for People on Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are typically prescribed for people who have had a heart attack, those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or those who have nervous disorders. A weight loss diet for people on beta blockers would thus need to be customized to the particular health and diet needs of each individual. There is no "one size fits all" weight loss diet for people on beta blockers.

Important Considerations for a Weight Loss Diet

• If you are taking beta blockers because you have coronary artery disease or have suffered a heart attack, your diet should be the heart-healthy diet recommended by the American Heart Association. Persons with high blood pressure will need a weight loss diet that does not increase blood pressure. For example, certain foods do raise blood pressure. If you are taking beta blockers for a nervous condition, your weight loss diet may be any type of diet, provided it meets all your needs and does not contain caffeine or other stimulants.

  Generally, in order to lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you expend through activity. You will need to customize your diet depending on multiple factors, such as:
  • Are you generally healthy?
  • How much weight do you need to lose?
  • Do you have any other medications that you are taking in addition to beta blockers? For example, heart patients are often also taking an anti-cholesterol medication and nitroglycerin in addition to beta blockers.
  • Do you have several diseases for which you are taking medicines? For example, many older persons have heart disease, arthritis, diabetes or high blood pressure. They may be taking a wide variety of medications.
  • Do you have any type of allergies?
  A sensible diet will consist of all the foods that are good for you, but in smaller portions. In conjunction with daily exercise, this diet of healthy foods and smaller portions should help you to slowly melt off the pounds. Generally, eating four or five small meals per day versus eating three big meals will help you to lose weight and maintain your desired weight. The closer a vegetable is to the raw state, the better it is for you.

  Fill up on items that are low-calorie, such as water, low-calorie drinks, celery, whole grains, raw or steamed vegetables, carrots, cottage cheese and yogurt (provided you don't have a lactose problem). Adding more whole grains and fiber to your diet will also help you stay regular, which will in turn help you to lose weight.

  This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Consult with your health care professional before taking any weight loss supplements, or beginning a new weight loss diet. Very often, weight loss pills and powders contain a high level of caffeine. If you are on beta blockers, your doctor has probably advised you to limit your intake of caffeine-related products and salt. Other stimulants that are an ingredient in many weight loss medications and programs may be bad for you as well. Additionally, there may be certain foods and ingredients you need to avoid as a part of your overall health care.