Will you lose weight after stopping Propranolol?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Will you lose weight after stopping Propranolol?
You may lose a few pounds after stopping Propranolol if this medication made you gain weight during the course of your treatment. Propranolol can make some people gain a few pounds by reducing their body’s ability to burn fat.
It can also cause water retention in some people which can make them appear heavier on the scale. If such a person stops using Propranolol, he or she will definitely notice a difference in their body weight.
It is more common to lose water weight right after stopping Propranolol, as your body starts to remove all the excess fluids when the culprit medication is discontinued. If you’re concerned about your weight, talk to your healthcare provider.
Incidence of weight gain on Propranolol
Research suggests that weight gain can be a potential side effect of Propranolol, but it may not occur in everyone. The incidence of weight gain with Propranolol varies among individuals, and there is no specific percentage or statistic available.
The exact mechanism through which Propranolol can cause weight gain is not fully understood. However, it is believed to involve several factors. Propranolol is a beta-blocker medication that works by blocking certain receptors in the body, including beta receptors. (1)
These receptors play a role in regulating metabolism and energy expenditure. By blocking them, Propranolol may lead to a decrease in metabolic rate and a decrease in the body’s ability to burn calories, potentially contributing to weight gain. (2,3)
Additionally, Propranolol can affect appetite and cravings, leading to increased food intake and subsequent weight gain. It may also cause fluid retention, which can contribute to temporary weight gain.
It’s important to note that not everyone who takes Propranolol will experience weight gain, and the potential benefits of the medication should be considered alongside the possible side effects.
How to safely lose weight after Propranolol discontinuation?
After discontinuing Propranolol, if you’re looking to safely lose weight, here are a few tips to consider:
- Start with a balanced and nutritious diet: Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive intake of sugary and processed foods.
- Portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. Use smaller plates and bowls to help control your portion sizes visually.
- Regular physical activity: Engage in regular exercise that suits your fitness level and preferences. This can include activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or participating in group fitness classes.
- Gradual weight loss: Aim for gradual and sustainable weight loss by setting realistic goals. Losing 1-2 pounds per week is considered a healthy rate of weight loss.
- Stay hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. This can help keep you feeling full, support digestion, and maintain overall health.
- Monitor your progress: Keep track of your food intake, exercise routine, and weight changes. This can help you stay accountable and make adjustments if necessary.
Remember, everyone’s body is unique, so it’s essential to listen to your body and make changes that work best for you. Patience, consistency, and a healthy lifestyle approach are key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
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References
1.-
Shahrokhi M, Gupta V. Propranolol. 2023 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491733. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557801
2.-
Rössner S, Taylor CL, Byington RP, Furberg CD. Long term propranolol treatment and changes in body weight after myocardial infarction. BMJ. 1990 Apr 7;300(6729):902-3. doi: 10.1136/bmj.300.6729.902. PMID: 2186832; PMCID: PMC1662668. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2186832/
3.-
Martínez-Mir I, Navarro-Badenes J, Palop V, Morales-Olivas FJ, Rubio E. Weight gain induced by long-term propranolol treatment. Ann Pharmacother. 1993 Apr;27(4):512. doi: 10.1177/106002809302700423. PMID: 8477133. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8477133/
