Statins are a class of prescription drugs used to lower LDL cholesterol. Weight gain is not a reported side effect, but some people may gain weight on statins due to dietary changes and other factors.

Common statins that doctors prescribe for lowering cholesterol levels are rosuvastatin (Crestor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor).

Statins are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol, but they can cause side effects such as diarrhea, headache, and joint pain.

Weight gain is not a known side effect of the statins themselves, but some people may gain weight due to changes in their dietary habits. Some evidence suggests statins may contribute to weight gain by lowering levels of the hormone leptin.

Keep reading to learn more about the connection between statins and weight gain. This article also covers the more common side effects of statins and how to manage your weight while taking a statin.

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There’s some evidence that some people taking statins put on weight due to increasing their calorie intake after starting their medication. However, weight gain was not a reported side effect in clinical trials examining the effectiveness and safety of most common statins, such as Lipitor and Crestor.

Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol made in your liver. They also help the liver remove LDL cholesterol from your blood. LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol since high levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

More common side effects of statins

More common side effects reported by people taking Lipitor in clinical trials include:

More common side effects reported by people taking Crestor in clinical trials include:

Statin side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, be sure to talk with your doctor or a pharmacist if the side effects last longer than that or become severe. Learn more about the side effects of Lipitor and Crestor.

Statins are not known to cause weight gain or loss directly. However, some people taking statins notice an increase in their:

Dietary changes may be one reason some people taking statins gain weight. People who take statins may develop a false sense of security and start consuming extra fat and calories once they start taking their medications.

In a 2018 study performed on isolated human fat cells, researchers found some evidence that the statins simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin may also decrease leptin levels. Leptin is a hormone that increases feelings of fullness. Low levels of leptin can potentially lead to increased appetite and weight gain.

The study authors declare that more research is needed to understand the relationship between statins and leptin. The results of previous studies have been mixed. If you’d like more information about statins and weight gain, talk with your doctor.

If you take a statin, it’s important to continue eating a balanced diet and staying physically active, such as exercising regularly.

The ways to maintain a moderate weight when taking a statin are the same as when you’re not taking one. They include:

Find more strategies for long-lasting weight management.

Statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs for lowering cholesterol. No statins are known to directly cause weight gain. There’s also no evidence that any particular statin is better than others for maintaining body weight.

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor can help you figure out the treatment option that’s right for you. They can also discuss the potential negative effects of different cholesterol medications.

Along with statins, other drugs doctors may prescribe to lower cholesterol include:

  • bile acid sequestrants
  • PCSK9 inhibitors
  • adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase inhibitors
  • fibrates
  • niacin
  • omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters
  • marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Learn more about cholesterol medications and statin alternatives. Your doctor can also advise you about cholesterol-lowering medications as well as natural ways to lower cholesterol.

Which statin is best for weight loss?

There is no best statin for weight loss since these medications are prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels not to decrease body weight. Your doctor will prescribe the statin and dosage that’s appropriate for you.

Some evidence suggests that people taking statins often put on weight after they start their medication. Weight gain might primarily be caused by dietary changes rather than the medication itself.

Researchers are still investigating the link between statins and weight gain. If you take a statin, eating a balanced overall diet can help you prevent weight gain. Specifically, try to avoid consuming highly processed foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition.