Weight gain as an adverse effect of some commonly prescribed drugs: a systematic review

Abstract

Several drugs, or categories of drugs, listed by the WHO and other writers and used in the treatment of chronic disease, are consistently associated with weight gain as a side effect and considered 'obesogenic'. The extent to which they may contribute to the multifactorial process behind obesity is not well documented. We systematically reviewed papers from Medline 1966-2004, Embase 1980-2004, PsycINFO 1967-2004, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, to determine the effect on body weight of some drugs that are believed to favour weight gain. We included randomized controlled studies of adult participants (>18 years) prescribed a drug considered obesogenic, that compared the 'obesogenic' drug with placebo, an alternative drug or other treatment, and that had a duration of at least 3 months: 43 studies totalling 25,663 subjects met these criteria. The main objective of the majority of studies was to compare the efficacy and safety of drug therapy, with weight change recorded under safety outcomes; weight change was a primary outcome measure in only six studies. There was evidence of weight gain for all drugs included, up to 10 kg at 52 weeks. Differences in dosage, patient population, duration of treatment and dietary advice make generalization of the results difficult. Data on body weight are often not recorded in published clinical trials or is reported in insufficient detail. This side-effect has potentially serious consequences, and should be mentioned to patients. Weight management measures should be routinely considered when prescribing drugs known to promote weight gain. Future clinical trials should always document weight changes.

Effects of β‐blockers on all‐cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease

“…In the present study, all‐cause mortality in patients with diabetes and CHD who had a history of MI/HFrEF, particularly in those who received intensive medical therapy alone for CHD, was significantly lower in patients on β‐blockers than in those not on β‐blockers; however, among patients without MI/HFrEF, all‐cause mortality did not differ significantly between those on and not on β‐blockers. Although β‐blockers might have the cardioprotective effects in patients with diabetes and CHD, the disadvantages of β‐blockers, such as metabolic adverse effects and weight gain,12, 25 might be equal to the positive effects of β‐blockers. In addition, based on the results of the present study, a target HbA1c level of <7.0% might be safe in patients on β‐blockers; however, because the incidence of hypoglycaemia may be higher in real‐world settings compared with clinical trial settings with careful patient selection and close monitoring,26 the disadvantages of β‐blockers may become more evident in normal clinical practice.…”

“…In addition, based on the potential risk of hypoglycaemia and weight gain attributable to β‐blockers,11, 12 the disadvantages of β‐blockers may outweigh the benefits in patients with diabetes and CHD. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to assess whether the use of β‐blockers influences mortality and the incidence of major cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and CHD.…”

Anti-Fat Attitude in Society and Healthcare: The Need to Reduce a Big Issue

“…Other exogenous factors include sleep debt, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), certain drugs, depression, chronic stress, reward eating, possibility of obesity-causing infections and gut microbiota [18][19][20][21][22][23][24].…”

Assessment of Obesity, Presumed and Proven Causes and Prevention Strategies: A Review

“…Food environment [109][110][111] Unsafe recreation and living areas [112][113][114][115] Unwholesome foods [116] Low ambient temperature [117][118][119] Food deserts [120,121] Obesogenic chemicals such as endocrine disruptors (Bisphenol A, phthalates, atrazine, organotins and perfluorooctanoic acid) [122,123] Obesogenic foods/living in food swamps [124] Dysfunction of appetite and satiety centers in brain [137] Dysfunction of frontal cortex of brain that controls impulsive eating [138,139] Problem with brain neuro-transmitters [139,140] ADHD in children leading to adult obesity [141] General Prescription medications-side effects of commonly prescribed drugs (drugs for diabetes, hypertension, allergy contraception, corticosteroids & health issues) [142] Psychiatric Prescription Drugs -side effects (Prescription drugs-for mental health issues-schizophrenia , depression, anxiety, mood etc) , [134,136] …”

“…Common prescription drugs for general diseases like diabetes, hypertension or conditions like allergy, contraception, corticosteroids and other health issues have been implicated in causing obesity [142].…”