Association between beta-blocker use and obesity in Hong Kong Chinese elders: a post-hoc analysis.

Leung, KL; Fong, W; Freedman, B; Bajorek, B; Lee, VWY

Association between beta-blocker use and obesity in Hong Kong Chinese elders: a post-hoc analysis.

Leung, KL Fong, W Freedman, B Bajorek, B

Lee, VWY

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Publisher:: Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Press
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi, 2020, 26, (1), pp. 27-34
Issue Date:: 2020-02

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Leung, KL
dc.contributor.author	Fong, W
dc.contributor.author	Freedman, B
dc.contributor.author	Bajorek, B https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2532-7187
dc.contributor.author	Lee, VWY
dc.date.accessioned	2020-07-30T01:15:19Z
dc.date.available	2020-07-30T01:15:19Z
dc.date.issued	2020-02
dc.identifier.citation	Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi, 2020, 26, (1), pp. 27-34
dc.identifier.issn	1024-2708
dc.identifier.issn	1024-2708
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/141917
dc.description.abstract	INTRODUCTION:Studies of Caucasian populations have shown that beta-blockers may exacerbate weight gain, a risk factor for many chronic diseases. Still, beta-blockers are the most prescribed antihypertensives in the Chinese population in Hong Kong. We aimed to explore the association between beta-blocker use, hypertension, and weight status of this population. METHODS:A post-hoc analysis regarding body mass index (BMI) and the use of beta-blockers was performed based on the medication profile of community-dwelling older adults. Participants' BMI, hypertension diagnosis, name, dose, frequency, route of administration of beta-blockers, and other drugs that may alter body weight were recorded. RESULTS:Of 1053 Chinese individuals aged ≥65 years (mean age 76.9±7.2 years, 80% female) from 32 elderly centres in Hong Kong, 18% (185/1053) of them consumed beta-blockers. That group also had a significantly larger proportion of obese individuals (45.9% vs 32.1%, P=0.002). After adjusting for other weight-altering drugs, beta-blockers remained a significant predictor of overweight and obesity (P=0.001). As the hypertensive population had significantly higher BMI than the normotensive population (24.3±3.6 vs 22.9±3.5, P<0.001), a sub-analysis on those with hypertension diagnosis confirmed that only the hypertensive population taking atenolol had a significantly larger population of obese individuals (BMI ≥25) compared with those who took metoprolol (58.9% vs 38.5%, P=0.03) and those who did not take any beta-blockers (58.9% vs 38.4%, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS:Our findings taken together with other guideline reservations cast doubt on whether beta-blockers, particularly atenolol, should be the major drug prescribed to older adults with hypertension.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Press
dc.relation.ispartof	Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.12809/hkmj198077
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	11 Medical and Health Sciences
dc.subject.classification	General & Internal Medicine
dc.title	Association between beta-blocker use and obesity in Hong Kong Chinese elders: a post-hoc analysis.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	26
utslib.location.activity	China
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health/GSH.Pharmacy
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Graduate School of Health
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2020-07-30T01:15:11Z
pubs.issue	1
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	26
utslib.citation.issue	1

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:Studies of Caucasian populations have shown that beta-blockers may exacerbate weight gain, a risk factor for many chronic diseases. Still, beta-blockers are the most prescribed antihypertensives in the Chinese population in Hong Kong. We aimed to explore the association between beta-blocker use, hypertension, and weight status of this population. METHODS:A post-hoc analysis regarding body mass index (BMI) and the use of beta-blockers was performed based on the medication profile of community-dwelling older adults. Participants' BMI, hypertension diagnosis, name, dose, frequency, route of administration of beta-blockers, and other drugs that may alter body weight were recorded. RESULTS:Of 1053 Chinese individuals aged ≥65 years (mean age 76.9±7.2 years, 80% female) from 32 elderly centres in Hong Kong, 18% (185/1053) of them consumed beta-blockers. That group also had a significantly larger proportion of obese individuals (45.9% vs 32.1%, P=0.002). After adjusting for other weight-altering drugs, beta-blockers remained a significant predictor of overweight and obesity (P=0.001). As the hypertensive population had significantly higher BMI than the normotensive population (24.3±3.6 vs 22.9±3.5, P<0.001), a sub-analysis on those with hypertension diagnosis confirmed that only the hypertensive population taking atenolol had a significantly larger population of obese individuals (BMI ≥25) compared with those who took metoprolol (58.9% vs 38.5%, P=0.03) and those who did not take any beta-blockers (58.9% vs 38.4%, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS:Our findings taken together with other guideline reservations cast doubt on whether beta-blockers, particularly atenolol, should be the major drug prescribed to older adults with hypertension.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/141917