Lisinopril is often prescribed for many heart-related ailments, like elevated blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is also prescribed to patients right after a heart attack to improve the rate of survivability. At times, patients suffering from severe diabetes are also prescribed the medication to reduce the chances of getting problems associated with the kidneys and/or eyes. (See Reference 1)

The medication is part of the ACE inhibitor family and became popular in the 1990s to help patients with elevated blood pressure. Although a generic name, Lisinopril is available both as generic medication as well as branded medication, such as Prinivil, Tensopril and Zestril. (See Reference 1) While the medication is quite popular, it has many side effects. And, one of the rare side effects that some people experience is weight gain. (See Reference 2) This is sufficient scientific proof via clinical trials and studies that shows Lisinopril has the ability to cause weight gain in some patients. (See Reference 2) However, this does not mean that patients should stop taking their medication. The gaining of extra pounds could also be due to an underlying factor that needs to be checked by the doctor. (See Reference 2) No patient should stop taking Lisinopril without consulting their doctor.

However, if the patient experiences rapid gain of weight, then it is cause of worry. Rapid gain of weight is usually around 3 to 5 pounds in a single week. When this happens, it is quite possible that the patient is actually suffering from a congestive heart failure, and the gaining of weight is due to this heart-related condition rather than the medication. (See Reference 2) A person should immediately consult their doctor if they notice rapid gaining of weight, edema of the feet, legs and/or ankles, and shortness of breath. (See Reference 2)

While Lisinopril can cause weight gain in some people, the beneficial effects of the medication are too high to stop taking it. A person should keep a proper track of his or her weight when taking Lisinopril, so that any abnormality in weight can be referred to the doctor, who will do further investigations to diagnose the cause of the weight gain. It is quite possible that a simple lowering of the dosage can help a person stop the weight gain if it is caused due to the medication. If the weight gain is the result of an underlying heart condition, the doctor will recommend the further course of action that needs to be taken.

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Reference :
1. Buzzle.com: Lisinopril Side Effect
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/lisinopril-side-effects.html

2. eMedTV: Lisinopril and Weight Gain
http://blood-pressure.emedtv.com/lisinopril/lisinopril-and-weight-gain.html