Study shows analgesic intake leads to obesity

Physicians are studying the effects of taking painkillers

Regular use of commonly prescribed analgesics is generally discouraged. These cause, for example, stomach upset, but can also cause far more dangerous side effects such as a heart attack. Researchers have now found that taking painkillers on a regular basis can also double the risk of developing obesity. In addition, the use leads to sleep problems.

Researchers at Newcastle University found in their study that frequent ingestion of analgesics doubles the risk of obesity. In addition, the use also leads to a generally poorer sleep. The experts published a press release on the results of their study.

The abuse of painkillers brings with it great dangers. Researchers found that taking analgesics on a regular basis also doubled the risk of developing obesity. (Image: Rido / fotolia.com)

Prescription of opioids and some antidepressants has increased greatly

Over the past decade, prescribing medicines such as opioids and some antidepressants for the treatment of chronic pain has risen sharply. The researchers have shown in their study the serious effects of these drugs and underlined thereby the necessity that the use of such painkillers must necessarily be reduced.

Experts analyzed data from more than 133,000 subjects

In their study, the physicians found that drugs used to treat pain, such as gabapentinoids and opiates, doubled the risk of obesity. In addition, the intake has a negative effect on our sleep. In their study, the scientists analyzed the correlation between metabolic and cardiovascular disease in more than 133,000 subjects whose data were in the so-called UK Biobank.

Physicians measured BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure

The experts compared the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and blood pressure of regular painkillers for chronic non-cancer pain and cardiometabolic medications to those of people who only took painkillers for cardio-metabolic treatment. For example, people with migraine, diabetic neuropathy, and chronic back pain receive such treatment, the researchers explain.

Prescriptions of opiates have doubled within ten years

In 2016, 24 million opiates were prescribed in the UK alone, twice as many as in 2006. Two years ago, 11,000 patients were hospitalized for an opiate overdose, the researchers say.

Chronic painkillers should only be prescribed for shorter periods of time

The study's findings show that 95 percent of opiates and cardiometabolic medications are obese. 82 percent had a very high waist circumference and 63 percent of those affected suffered from hypertension, in contrast to participants who received only cardiovascular drugs. The results suggest that chronic analgesics should be prescribed for shorter periods of time to limit serious health complications.

When people take opiates, their health suffers

"This is the largest study looking at the links between commonly prescribed analgesics and cardio-metabolic health. We already knew that opiates lead to addiction, but the study also found that opiate-taking people suffer from very poor health. The rates of obesity are much higher and patients report poor sleep, "said Sophie Cassidy of Newcastle University in the news release.

Long-term use of opioids can lead to addiction

Opioids are among the most dangerous prescription painkillers as they addict what can lead to abuse, the researchers say. Patients may need to continue taking these medications to feel normal and avoid withdrawal symptoms. The long-term use of such drugs is controversial because it can cause sleep disorders, daytime sedation and accidental overdoses. (As)