Does Bisoprolol Fumarate cause weight gain? (5+ management tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
This article will answer a common question about Bisoprolol Fumarate: “Does Bisoprolol Fumarate cause weight gain?” We will also discuss what research studies indicate about Bisoprolol Fumarate-associated weight gain and how to effectively lose weight while taking Bisoprolol Fumarate.
Does Bisoprolol Fumarate cause weight gain?
Yes, Bisoprolol Fumarate does cause weight gain. Weight gain is one of the many side effects of Bisoprolol Fumarate and other commonly prescribed beta blockers. However, the weight gain associated with Bisoprolol Fumarate and other beta-blockers might only occur during the first few months of the therapy.
Bisprolol Fumarate is a cardio-selective beta-blocker commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease (CAD) (1).
What does research suggest?
There is limited data indicating a direct link between Bisoprolol Fumarate and weight gain. However, several studies have discussed the weight gain associated with beta-blockers, in general – including atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol.
According to a 2001 study, beta-blockers, in addition to their adverse metabolic effects, also cause weight gain. The study involves eight randomized controlled trials lasting over six months (2).
At the end of the study, it was observed that the body weight of beta-blocker patients was higher than that of the control group. Patients taking beta-blockers experience an average weight gain of 1.2 kg, primarily occurring within the first year of therapy (2).
Patient demographics do not appear to impact the weight gain caused by beta-blockers; therefore, it was concluded that all the patients taking beta-blockers are susceptible to weight gain (2).
How does Bisoprolol Fumarate cause weight gain?
The potential mechanisms behind the weight gain associated with beta-blockers such as Bisoprolol Fumarate are listed below:
- Beta-blockers cause a reduction in total energy expenditure by 4-9%. This change in energy metabolism leads to weight gain in individuals taking Bisoprolol Fumarate and other beta-blockers for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions (2).
- A recent study concluded that, compared to other anti-hypertensive agents, beta-blockers reduce the basal metabolic rate by up to 12% in obese hypertensive patients (2).
- While prescribing beta-blockers to hypertensive patients who are physically active, the healthcare provider should consider that they have a negative effect on the maximal and submaximal exercise capacity (2).
It has been observed that all these effects of beta-blockers decrease the total energy expenditure by 5-10%. This reduction can lead to a 1-3.5 kg weight gain in individuals taking beta-blockers (2).
Is it difficult to lose weight while taking Bisoprolol Fumarate?
Your ability to lose weight depends on the depletion of fat stored in the body. However, this might not be easy if you are taking Bisoprolol Fumarate or other beta-blockers.
Beta-blockers reduce total energy expenditure and inhibit lipolysis in response to adrenergic stimulation, making it difficult for individuals to lose weight (2).
Obese patients are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Beta-blockers can lead to additional fat accumulation when prescribed to such patients (2).
Bisoprolol Fumarate and other beta blockers interfere with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, increasing triglyceride levels and reducing HDL cholesterol levels- common characteristics in obese patients. As a result, beta-blockers may negatively affect obese hypertensive patients (2).
How can you lose weight while taking Bisoprolol Fumarate?
If you have noticed a sudden change in your weight while taking Bisoprolol Fumarate, then you must discuss it with your healthcare provider. He will discontinue the drug or switch you to another beta-blocker with fewer side effects.
However, if, for some reason, you have to continue your Bisoprolol Fumarate therapy, then it is recommended that you follow a healthy lifestyle regime to prevent yourself from gaining weight.
As per NIH guidelines, the following tips can help you lose weight effectively:
- Limit your portion size to effectively manage your daily calorie intake (3).
- To lose weight, you have to be more physically active. As per CDC guidelines, adults need 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week (3,4).
- Choose nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, fish, legumes, nuts, etc. over high-calorie foods (3).
- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep yourself hydrated and avoid sugary beverages like alcohol and soda (3).
- Prioritize your sleep. Sleep 7-8 hours every night to avoid weight gain due to poor sleep habits (3).
- Keep a diary to record your daily calorie intake and physical activity to help you stay on track (3).
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the question, “Does Bisoprolol Fumarate cause weight gain?” We have also discussed what research studies indicate about Bisoprolol Fumarate-associated weight gain and how to effectively lose weight while taking Bisoprolol Fumarate.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Bazroon AA, Alrashidi NF. Bisoprolol. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551623/
2.-
Sharma AM, Pischon T, Hardt S, Kunz I, Luft FC. Hypothesis: β-adrenergic receptor blockers and weight gain: a systematic analysis. Hypertension. 2001 Feb;37(2):250-4.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.hyp.37.2.250?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed#d1e206
3.-
Maintaining a Healthy Weight. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging.
4.-
Achieve Your Weight Goals. (2023, August 8). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/calories/index.html
