According to a study from the University of Newcastle, UK, regular intake of pain medication by people who are also undergoing treatment for cardiovascular disease, greatly increases their risk of obesity.
The results of this study which involved 133,000 people show that patients who take opiates with cardiometabolic drugs (for prevent stroke, diabetes or heart disease) are 95% more likely to be obese, 82% more likely to have a large waist circumference, and 63% more likely to have high blood pressure, compared to patients who take cardiometabolic drugs only.
Painkillers act as a sedative
We know that the risk of opioid addiction is important in people with chronic pain. Researchers believe they have found a new reason not to take these drugs for a long time. “Opiates act as a sedative on the body. They make the metabolism less active and also alter the perception of taste, increasing the craving for sugary foods.” says Dr. Sophie Cassidy, lead author of the study.
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