Beta blockers reduced weekly habitual activity by 34%

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Saturday, July 14, 2018 5:45 am Email this article
Beta blockers reduce weekly habitual activity by 34%, as measured by the number of steps taken in a week by a pedometer, according to a study from Australia.

The average number of steps taken in a week was 38,816 steps in the Beta-blocker group versus 58,944 steps in the control group.

(The paper rounds off the calculation to approximately 30%, however, the calculation shows the difference is 34%.)

Beta blockers are drugs are given for:

• abnormal heart rhythms
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Angina (heart pain)
• Tremor
• Prevention of migraines
• given after a heart attack
• hyperthyroidism
• akathisia (restlessness or inability to sit still)
• panic disorder
• anxiety
• aggressive behavior

Subjects

Subjects: 11 chronic Beta-blocker users vs 19 controls

The study involved “11 chronic Beta-blocker users (7 women, 54-78 years old) and 19 controls recruited were well matched for age, BMI and adiposity” the paper notes.

Resting energy expenditure was 175 calories higher in the Beta-blocker group than the control group—1484 calories per day versus 1309 calories per day—however, the difference was not statistically significant.

REFERENCE

Lee P, Kengne A, Greenfield J, Day R, Chalmers J, Ho K. Metabolic sequelae of beta-blocker therapy: Weighing in on the obesity epidemic? Int J Obes (Lond). 2011 Feb 8, advanced on-line publication.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Professor KKY Ho
Pituitary Research Unit
Garvan Insitute of Medical Research
384, Victoria Street
Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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