Toprol is the brand name form of metoprolol, a medication to control blood pressure. Doctors often prescribe Toprol is along with giving a recommendation to lose weight as a way to treat high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about diet and exercise changes to determine if your high blood pressure is related to your weight. This is important because Toprol might cause weight gain as a side effect.
Identification
Toprol is a beta-blocker, which affects the blood flow through the arteries and veins. Indications besides hypertension include use in the treatment of chest pain and the prevention of heart attacks. Doctors have prescribed Toprol to treat migraine headaches and movement disorders related to medications that treat mental illness.
Effects
Toprol may cause weight gain. When you take the beta blocker, you should not experience a weight gain greater than 4 lbs., according to the Mayo Clinic. Potential causes of weight gain include a slowed metabolism or discontinuing a diuretic. A few pounds of water weight can pile back on after stopping one.
Exercise
You may need to make changes to your exercise routine while on Toprol to lose weight. Toprol may cause a decrease in your heart rate, which makes it difficult to reach your target heart rate during workouts. To adjust your target heart rate, use the difference between your resting heart rate before taking Toprol and the current rate. For example, if your resting heart rate has decreased from to 60 from 80, make your target heart rate 20 beats per minute lower.
Diet
If you suspect you have gained weight from switching to Toprol from a diuretic, make changes to reduce water retention naturally. Avoid foods high in sodium, such as chips, processed meats, canned goods and fast food. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily.
Considerations
If you do lose weight by making diet and exercise changes, you may be able to stop taking Toprol. Losing as little as 5 lb. may prompt your doctor to reduce the Toprol dose or discontinue use. Reduce calories by trimming portion sizes and eating more low-calorie foods, such as vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. As long as you maintain healthy habits, such as eating a low calorie diet and exercising for approximately 30 minutes each day, you may never need to go back on the blood pressure medication.
References
- PubMed Health: Metoprolol
- MayoClinic.com: Can beta blockers cause weight gain?
- Drugs.com: Toprol-XL
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure
- MayoClinic.com: Can weight loss reduce the need for blood pressure medication?
- MayoClinic.com: Beta blockers: How do they affect exercise?
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