Jardiance is a brand-name prescription medication your doctor may prescribe if you have Type 2 Diabetes. This medication has many benefits, and one that patients frequently look forward to is weight loss.
If you’re hoping to lose weight as a result of taking Jardiance, let’s talk about what you can expect. We’ll also discuss several lifestyle changes you can make to help you lose even more.
Does Jardiance Cause Weight Loss?
Yes, most people who take Jardiance will lose weight. Drugs.com indicates that patients may lose between 2% and 3% of their starting weight when taking this medication.
One study indicates that, compared with a group taking a placebo medication, patients who took Jardiance lost weight and reduced waist circumference.
Additional data published in The Lancet shows that patients lost between 5.5 and 8.82 pounds over 104 weeks.
For people with Type 2 Diabetes, excessive calories cause fat deposits around internal organs and in the muscles. Though this might not seem like much weight loss, the American Diabetes Association has stated it is significant. Losing even a small amount of weight can tremendously impact people with diabetes.
How Does Jardiance Help You Lose Weight?
Jardiance works by lowering your blood sugar levels without the use of insulin. It blocks sodium-glucose cotransporters that facilitate glucose reabsorption by the kidneys.
When you take Jardiance, your body cannot reabsorb excess glucose into your bloodstream. Instead, the glucose is excreted in your urine. The result is that your body rids itself of around 300 excess calories per day.
If you continue taking Jardiance long-term, you could lose around 1 pound a week. Some patients lose even more.
But it is important to note that Jardiance won’t change your appetite.
Can You Take Jardiance for Weight Loss if You Don’t Have Diabetes?
The FDA has approved Jardiance to treat Type 2 Diabetes and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in adults with heart failure. But it has not been approved as a weight-loss medication for patients who do not have diabetes.
Because obesity is rising in the United States, some doctors may prescribe Jardiance off-label for weight loss. It is available in two strengths – 10 mg and 25 mg. Typically, patients start with a 10 mg dose and increase it to 25 mg if they need further help to regulate blood glucose levels.
But before you ask your doctor if taking Jardiance for weight loss is something you should consider, please note it’s not suitable for everyone. Your doctor may advise against it if you:
- Have impaired renal function.
- Are at risk for dehydration.
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- Have Type 1 Diabetes.
Depending on the risks, your doctor may choose alternative treatments to help you lose weight if you do not have Type 2 Diabetes.
Alternative Medications for Weight Loss
Several other diabetic medications may cause weight loss in some patients. In addition, some medications have been FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
Diabetic medications that may result in weight loss include:
FDA-approved medications for weight loss include:
How to Boost Weight Loss While Taking Jardiance
Your medical doctor has intimate knowledge of your physical health, and they will talk with you about ways to maximize your weight loss efforts with Jardiance.
But there are several steps you can take to lose more weight potentially.
Medication Compliance
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions completely to maximize your weight loss. You should take Jardiance and any other medications your doctor recommends every day or as prescribed.
Jardiance should be taken every morning, with or without food.
Talk with your doctor if you are taking other medications that may impede your weight loss efforts. Insulin and sulfonylureas can both cause weight gain. Your doctor may consider a change.
Other medications, such as those prescribed to lower your cholesterol or reduce your risk of heart disease, must also be taken on schedule.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
You may not be aware of this, but when you drink alcohol, your body processes it as sugar and stores it as fat. If you drink excessively or even binge-drink, you may develop more problems with insulin resistance.
Alcohol offers only empty calories, and it carries no real nutritional value. Your doctor will most likely recommend limiting your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two for men.
Consider a Low-Calorie Diet
A low-calorie diet will help you get the nutrition you need while creating a caloric deficit in your body to aid your weight loss efforts. Your doctor may talk with you about making dietary adjustments.
It may also help to talk with a nutritionist. They can create a sustainable diet plan for you that will be easier to stick to and help you reach your goals.
Exercise Regularly
It’s important to move a little daily, or at least several times weekly. Doctors recommend that all patients with Type 2 Diabetes get some form of regular exercise.
If you want to lose weight, talk with your doctor about an exercise regimen that will help and be safe for you long-term.
The Rx Advocates Can Save You Money on Jardiance
At The Rx Advocates, we know that prescription medications like Jardiance are expensive. Even if you have health insurance, your medication may not be affordable. But the good news is we can help.
We work directly with pharmaceutical company patient assistance plans to get you the savings you need on your medications. We only charge a small monthly fee for our services, and your medication is delivered to you free of charge.
To learn more about whether you qualify for help through The Rx Advocates, please contact us today.
