The major components of human energy balance during chronic beta-adrenergic blockade.
OBJECTIVE
The authors compare the major components of energy balance--dietary food intake, resting metabolic rate, and physical energy expenditure--in patients receiving beta-blocking medications and healthy controls.


METHODS
The authors recruited subjects who were receiving beta-blocking agents (n = 22) from local hospitals and clinics. Twenty-two healthy controls were matched to each patient based on age, weight, and gender. Resting metabolic rates were determined using indirect calorimetry. Three-day dietary intakes and physical activity assessments were analyzed.


RESULTS
There were no between-group differences in calories ingested or self-reported physical activity patterns. However, resting metabolic rates were lower in the beta-blocked subjects (beta-blocked = 1,541 +/- 464 kcals/day; controls = 1,817 +/- 426 kcals/day; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
beta-adrenergic blockade causes a reduction in resting metabolic rate. Therefore, beta-blocked individuals should increase physical activity, decrease dietary intake, or both to maintain daily energy balance and prevent weight gain that accompanies a reduction in metabolic rate.
Lamont
L S
LS
Department of Physical Education/Exercise Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA.
Brown
T
T
Riebe
D
D
Caldwell
M
M
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D005082:Physical Exertion
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents