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With more weight loss tools available than ever before why is it that 98% of those who lose weight will gain it back within 5 years? Better yet, why do so many of us find it hard to lose weight in the first place? This is definitely a loaded question but I suspect that most weight loss plans only act as a band-aid and do not address the underlying cause of the weight gain (i.e. hormone imbalance, an underactive thyroid…etc). Going into detail on the many underlying causes of weight gain is beyond the scope of today’s article (we’ll address that in a later article). Today we will be looking at one factor that may be hindering your ability to lose fat: your medications.
With conditions like high blood pressure, depression and high cholesterol on the rise, it’s no surprise that many Americans take prescription medications. Many are the same Americans that are trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, there are many medications that can hinder weight loss. This means that we have to work harder to lose those stubborn pounds and may gain the weight back quickly. These medications have long been known to cause weight gain. Let’s take a look at some of the most common offenders.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers are medications commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Examples of beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal) and labetalol (Normodyne). These drugs work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in the body. This can help lower blood pressure. Unfortunately, adrenaline helps stimulate the release of fat from fat cells. As you can imagine, despite diet and exercise, it would be difficult to lose fat if it remained ‘trapped’ in the cells.
Also, beta blockers block the effects of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have many functions in the body. Among these functions is to help keep the body’s metabolism running smoothly. One symptom of thyroid deficiency is weight gain. In fact, beta blockers are often given to people with an OVER-active thyroid to help quiet the thyroid.
Statins
Statins are drugs used to treat high cholesterol. Examples of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and fluvastatin (Lescol). The problem with statins is that they lower levels of the enzyme CoQ10. This enzyme is needed to convert thyroid hormone to its active form (i.e. T4 into T3). Lower levels of active thyroid hormone can slow metabolism and cause weight gain. It is interesting that statins are prescribed to lower the risk of heart disease yet they may increase the risk for obesity. Obesity is known to increase the risk of heart disease.
Antidepressants
Most (but not all) antidepressant medications are linked to weight gain. It is not altogether clear how these medications cause weight gain, we just know they do. Examples of antidepressants that cause weight gain include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), venlafaxine (Effexor) and escitalopram (Lexapro).
Diuretics
Most diuretic s can cause an increase in blood sugar. Increases in blood sugar will raise insulin levels and can cause weight gain. You see, the body needs insulin to use the sugar present in the blood after a meal. However, insulin also promotes fat storage. Therefore, anything that causes blood sugar levels or blood insulin levels to rise can promote fat storage and weight gain. Examples of diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, found in many combination diuretic products), chlorothiazide (Diuril), metolazone (Zaroxolyn), bumetanide (Bumex), furosemide (Lasix) and torsemide (Demadex).
Estrogens
It is well documented that estrogens preparations can cause weight gain. Estrogen seems to especially promote fat storage in the thighs, butt and hips. Many people think that estrogen can only cause weight gain in women going through menopause. However, a condition known as ‘estrogen dominance’ can cause weight gain in menopausal women, younger women and men. This is a condition where hormonal imbalances cause estrogen to be the dominant hormone in the body (yes, men have estrogen too). You can read more about the condition of estrogen dominance in Dr. Michael Platt, M.D.’s book: The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones, 2nd edition .
The Bottom Line
Without attempting to treat the underlying cause of weight gain, all attempts at permanent weight loss could be futile. In addition to talking about how estrogen can cause weight gain, the book The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones, 2nd edition discusses other possible underlying causes of weight gain as well. After treating the underlying cause of weight gain, there are certain things we can do to help make our weight loss efforts successful. Evaluating our medications for their potential to hinder weight loss is key. One should not stop any prescription medications without first discussing it with their physician. One should, however, bring concerns about medications and weight gain to their physician so it can be discussed.
Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.
Dr. Larson is a pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of Empowered Medicine. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab. EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information from a pharmacist's point of view.
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