Effects of telmisartan on weight gain and obesity in patients with essential hypertension and metabolic syndrome

Background: Abdominal obesity, which increases cardiometabolic risks is often associated with hypertension. Evaluation of antihypertensive drugs for their beneficial effects on weight gain may improve clinical management of obese patients with hypertension.
Objectives: To study the effects of Telmisartan treatment on weight gain and obesity in patients with essential hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Methodology: Sixty patients who fulfilled the criteria for essential hypertension and metabolic syndrome, admitted to GSL General hospital Rajahmahendravaram constituted the study group. The study conducted with two angiotensin receptor blockers, Telmisartan and Losartan. These sixty patients are divided into two groups. First group received 40 mg Telmisartan per day and the second group received 50 mg of Losartan per day. The study period was 12 weeks from 1-3-2013 to 30-5-2013 in GSL General hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Rajahmahendravaram (A.P.). The following parameters are recorded in the proforma annexed. 1. Blood pressure 2. Random blood sugar 3. Body weight 4. Body mass index calclulated by using the formula BMI= Weight in kgs/ Height in square meters. Expressed as kgs per square meter 5. Waist circumference
Pre treatment and post treatment values of the above parameters are taken at the baseline and at the end of 3 months after giving the drug
Results : With Telmisartan all the post treatment values of blood pressure ( both systolic and diastolic), body mass index, waist circumference and random blood sugar are highly significant ( p value 0.000). With Losartan there is no statistical significance for body weight and BMI. Other values significant are SBP and DBP (p value 0.000), waist circumference (p value 0.045).
Interpretation and conclusions: The results showed that Telmisartan when compared to Losartan is effective in the management of hypertension as well as having additive benefits in reducing body weight, BMI and waist circumference. The drug is also beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels by increasing insulin sensitivity through its action on PPAR gamma receptors.