Milly Gaines
Diet pills are an increasingly popular method for weight loss, with some medications claiming to reduce body weight by up to 20%. With obesity comes an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. Weight loss medication has been found to reduce blood pressure in adults with obesity, but the impact of these medications on healthy individuals is less clear. This article will explore the effects of diet pills on blood pressure and whether they can be used to reduce the unwanted effects of hypertension.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet pills that may reduce blood pressure | Orlistat, Phentermine plus topiramate, Zepbound, Tirzepatide, Lorcaserin |
| Diet pills that may not reduce blood pressure | Naltrexone plus bupropion |
| Diet pills that may increase blood pressure | Naltrexone/bupropion |
| Conditions caused by obesity | High cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, inflammation, heartburn, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease |
| Risk factors for obesity | Family history, genes, age, menopause, sleep loss, pregnancy, stress, certain illnesses and medications |
| Weight loss strategies | Supervised weight loss and exercise program, lifestyle changes, prescription medications, bariatric surgery |
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What You'll Learn
Weight loss medication can lower blood pressure
Weight loss medications have been shown to lower blood pressure in adults with obesity. A study published in the journal Hypertension found that the weight loss medication tirzepatide significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure of nearly 500 adults with obesity who took the medication for 36 weeks. The reductions in systolic blood pressure were consistent across subgroups of participants categorized by age, sex, body mass index, and hypertension-related risk factors.
Another weight loss medication that has been studied for its effects on blood pressure is lorcaserin. In the BLOOM and BLOOM-DM trials, lorcaserin showed significant weight loss compared to placebo groups, but blood pressure did not change to a statistically significant degree. However, dietary-intervention studies in hypertensive people have shown a positive association between weight loss and blood pressure reduction.
Several other weight loss medications have been studied for their effects on blood pressure. Orlistat, phentermine plus topiramate, and naltrexone plus bupropion have all been found to reduce weight and probably reduce blood pressure. However, it is important to note that people taking weight-loss medications have reported more unwanted effects than those taking a placebo.
While weight loss medications may help lower blood pressure, it is important to consider other strategies for blood pressure reduction, such as lifestyle changes. Significant weight loss, treatment of sleep apnea, and lowering sodium in the diet can all help to reduce hypertension. Additionally, physicians have a variety of blood pressure medications to choose from when prescribing treatments for high blood pressure.
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Orlistat may reduce weight and blood pressure
Diet pills are medications that aid in weight loss. Obesity is a chronic disease with a continuously rising prevalence, currently affecting over half a billion people worldwide. Obesity and high blood pressure (BP) are strongly related, and weight loss is associated with a significant decrease in BP. People with obesity have an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes, as well as other health conditions.
Orlistat is a gastric and pancreatic lipase inhibitor that blocks the absorption of about 30% of dietary fat. It is one of the most studied anti-obesity drugs. A meta-analysis of 27 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials with 8150 subjects showed that orlistat is associated with a mild but significant reduction in blood pressure. The effect is proportional to the treatment duration but not the baseline BP. After six to twelve months, orlistat reduced systolic blood pressure compared to a placebo by a mean difference of −2.6 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by a mean difference of −2.0 mm Hg.
Orlistat is recommended to be taken alongside a mildly reduced-calorie diet. While taking orlistat, it is important to avoid foods that have more than 30% fat. It is also important to take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene, as orlistat blocks the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins.
Overall, orlistat may reduce weight and blood pressure, especially in individuals with obesity and high blood pressure. However, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including orlistat, to ensure safe and effective use.
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Phentermine plus topiramate may reduce weight and blood pressure
Phentermine and topiramate are two drugs that, when combined, decrease appetite and help with weight loss. Phentermine is a neurostabilizer, while topiramate is an antiseizure medication. The combination of these two drugs has been shown to have an additive effect on weight reduction.
A study of 1,305 people with high blood pressure found that phentermine plus topiramate may reduce weight and may also reduce blood pressure. After six to twelve months, participants taking phentermine/topiramate experienced a decrease in systolic blood pressure of -2.0 to -4.2 mm Hg compared to those taking a placebo. Diastolic blood pressure also decreased by -1.3 to -1.9 mm Hg.
Another study found that weight loss induced by phentermine/topiramate was associated with improved blood pressure through one and two years of treatment. While small increases in heart rate were observed, there were concurrent reductions in blood pressure, suggesting that this combination may be a safe and effective therapy for managing obesity when used alongside lifestyle modifications.
It is important to note that phentermine/topiramate may cause some side effects, such as increased heart rate, dry mouth, and skin reactions. Additionally, losing weight while pregnant is not advised, as it may harm the unborn child. As with any medication, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking phentermine/topiramate.
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Naltrexone plus bupropion may not reduce blood pressure
Diet pills are medicines that aid in weight loss. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a measure of the force that the heart uses to pump blood around the body. Systolic pressure and diastolic pressure are the two figures that represent blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pushes blood out, and diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic pressure is over 140 and/or diastolic pressure is over 90, often written as "140 over 90" and measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Hypertension can increase the risk of developing serious long-term health problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension reduces the number of people who develop cardiovascular disease.
Naltrexone and bupropion are medications that can be combined to aid in weight loss. Naltrexone is typically used to block the effects of opioids or alcohol in people with addiction issues, and it may also curb hunger and food cravings. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that can also decrease appetite. When used together with diet and exercise, naltrexone and bupropion can help manage weight in obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems. However, it is important to note that this combination medication will not treat weight-related medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
While naltrexone and bupropion can be effective for weight loss, they may not reduce blood pressure. A study of 8283 people with high blood pressure found that naltrexone plus bupropion probably reduces weight but likely does not reduce blood pressure. After six to twelve months, there was no significant difference in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the treatment group and the placebo group. Additionally, one study showed no differences in the risk of death and major unwanted cardiovascular effects between the naltrexone plus bupropion treatment group and the placebo group after two years.
It is important to consider the potential side effects of naltrexone and bupropion. This combination medication may cause high blood pressure and a faster heart rate. Other possible side effects include angle-closure glaucoma, which can lead to a quick, severe increase in eye pressure and potentially cause vision loss. Mental health changes, such as an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young people, have also been associated with this medication. Naltrexone and bupropion are not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, eating disorders, opioid addiction, or pregnancy.
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Tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure
Weight loss is recommended by all major hypertension treatment guidelines. While it is unclear whether diet pills directly increase or decrease blood pressure, losing weight can help lower blood pressure. Obesity is a risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Tirzepatide, a weight-loss medication, has been shown to significantly lower systolic blood pressure in adults with obesity. In a subset of an international clinical trial, nearly 500 obese adults who took tirzepatide for 36 weeks experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure. The reductions were evident during both day and night blood pressure measurements.
The SURMOUNT-1 study found that once-weekly injections of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of tirzepatide resulted in mean weight reductions of 15%, 19.5%, and 20.9%, respectively, compared to a placebo. The substudy enrolled 600 participants, with 494 having valid ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data at the beginning of the study and at week 36. Treatment with each dose of tirzepatide reduced 24-hour systolic blood pressure at 36 weeks compared to the placebo.
The reductions in systolic blood pressure were consistent across subgroups of participants categorized by age, sex, body mass index, and hypertension-related risk factors. The blood pressure-lowering effects of tirzepatide were also evident in participants who were taking hypertension medications.
Overall, the findings indicate that tirzepatide may be an effective strategy for treating or preventing high blood pressure in individuals with obesity.
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Frequently asked questions
Weight loss is strongly associated with an improvement in blood pressure. However, the mechanism of weight loss can impact the magnitude and sustainability of blood pressure reduction. Some weight-loss medications have been found to reduce blood pressure, while others have shown no effect, and one combination drug therapy has been found to increase blood pressure.
Naltrexone/bupropion is the only combination drug therapy currently approved for long-term weight management that raises blood pressure.
Orlistat, lorcaserin, liraglutide, and phentermine/topiramate are weight-loss medications that have been found to reduce blood pressure. A new weight-loss medication, tirzepatide, has also been found to significantly lower systolic blood pressure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of developing serious long-term health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of developing these diseases.
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