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Lisinopril and Weight Gain: What You Need to Know
Drug-induced weight gain can be a huge headache for patients already dealing with complicated health issues. In the past, beta-blocker drugs prescribed for high blood pressure slowed the body’s metabolism and caused chronic fatigue, leading to an increased waistline.
Is weight gain a side effect of Lisinopril?
Fortunately, ACE Inhibitors like Lisinopril are far less likely to cause weight gain in patients than beta-blockers. In fact, weight gain has only been reported in a small fraction of patients—less than 1 in 10,000!
So, while weight gain is rarely caused directly by ACE Inhibitors like Lisinopril, it can sometimes be caused by side effects related to the medication.
In fact, Lisinopril and other ACE Inhibitors are thought to cause weight loss, not gain. One way that it does this is by removing excess fluids from the body.
There is also some evidence that a reduction of ACE in the body eases fat accumulation in the subject’s midsection. While this is not an approved use for ACE inhibitors, nor has it gone through rigorous scientific testing, there is a possibility that ACE inhibitors could be used in the future on patients who need to lose weight.
Weight gain due to fatigue
Some patients report that Lisinopril makes them drowsy, fatigued, or dizzy. This is especially true of patients who recently started on the medication. These symptoms are often caused by the body, adjusting to a lowered blood pressure and can ease with time.
In the meantime, some patients report that they experience weight gain in conjunction with these symptoms. This weight gain is often brought on by their reduced activity level during this adjustment period.
If you don’t feel that your body is adjusting well or the fatigue is fading, try talking to your doctor. It’s possible that either Lisinopril isn’t right for you or your dosage may be off.
Weight gain due to lifestyle changes
Many patients that seek treatment for high blood pressure or heart complications need to make lifestyle modifications in tandem with their new medication regime. If you are experiencing weight gain, it’s important to examine your habits. A healthy lifestyle can often prevent weight gain and includes:
- Getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night
- Eating a nutritious diet with lean meats and colorful vegetables that isn’t heavy in added sugar or salt
- Consistent exercise throughout the week
- Work on healthy stress management habits
Weight gain due to fluid build-up
Fluid retention in the body can be a sign of congestive heart failure. Symptoms include sudden weight gain that steadily increases daily, swelling around the feet and ankles and fatigue.
If the swelling in your feet does not go down after rest and elevation, your fatigue does not improve, or you experience pain in your chest, contact your doctor immediately.
So, does Lisinopril cause weight gain? Not often. In some rare instances, patients have reported weight gain that was directly tied to Lisinopril. If you’re experiencing weight gain, have a conversation with your doctor. It is possible that Lisinopril isn’t the right medicine for you or that your dosage needs adjustment. Otherwise, your weight gain could be caused by other factors like external stress, fatigue, or diet choices.
Weight gain isn’t ideal when you’re working through a heart treatment plan. Talk to your doctor. They can help you make the right choices to improve your overall health.
Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors are often prescribed instead of beta-blockers to avoid weight gain while treating high blood pressure and heart complications. If you’ve been prescribed Lisinopril, you can you don’t have to pay full price on your next refill. Download a discount coupon and save at your local pharmacy today.