Volume 30, Issue 172, June 2026

The Effects of β2-Adrenergic Agonists on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review

Krystian Woźniak^1♦, Julia Witkowska¹, Monika Krasoń¹, Mikołaj Kurczyński¹, Ksenia Jakubiak¹, Natalia Kursa¹, Agnieszka Mackiewicz², Aleksandra Pietrucień², Katarzyna Bielak³, Adam Brożyna⁴

¹Central Teaching Hospital of The Medical University of Lodz: Łódź, 92-213, ul. Pomorska 251, Poland
²Medical Centre of Pabianice, Pabianice, 95-200, ul. Jana Pawła II 68, Poland
³5 Military Clinical Hospital in Cracow, 30-901 Cracow, ul. Wrocławska 1-3, Poland
⁴University Clinical Hospital No. 1 of the Medical University of Lodz: Łódź, 90-153, ul. Kopcińskiego 22, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Krystian Woźniak Central Teaching Hospital of The Medical University of Lodz: Łódź, 92-213, ul. Pomorska 251, Poland

ABSTRACT

β2-adrenergic agonists (β2-mimetics) are widely used to treat pulmonary diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet strong evidence indicates that they also affect skeletal muscle metabolism and growth. This review covers current knowledge of the β2-mimetic effect on muscle mass, its underlying mechanisms, and its clinical application. This review draws on animal and human studies that show differences between them. β2-agonists may have therapeutic potential for elderly patients, who often suffer from muscle loss. However, cardiovascular side effects and receptor desensitization constrain clinical application. Additionally, their anabolic properties have led to misuse in sports. In summary, β2-agonists exhibit clear anabolic effects in experimental models; however, their practical application in humans remains limited and needs further research.

Keywords: β2-agonists, β2-adrenergic agonists, β2-mimetics, β2-adrenergic receptors, skeletal muscle hypertrophy, enhanced regeneration, geriatric patients, osteoarthritis, cachexia, muscle wasting

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e95ms3891

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Published: 06 June 2026