The introduction of beta-blockers in the treatment of CHF may have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance. However, so far tested drugs seem to have little influence on production of pro-inflammatory markers in CHF patients. The use of beta-blockers in the clinical setting is also associated with weight gain. While weight gain is of benefit to patients with cachexia, a common problem in CHF, it is problematic in CHF patients who are already overweight, particularly since obesity is known to be implicated in the development of insulin resistance. Because of this, it would seem to be beneficial to prevent further weight gain in those patients with heart failure who are not cachexic. Weight loss in these patients, however should also be prevented since obese patients with CHF appear to have the better prognosis. As change in body weight has important implications for disease progression, choice of dietary treatment is of particular importance in CHF patients. Ideally in CHF patients, we should be maintaining body weight while still attempting to reduce other coronary risk factors such as insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia.