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Studies show that patients who take Jardiance for type 2 diabetes often lose weight in the process. With obesity and diabetes often linked, these findings have left many wondering if the medication indeed causes weight loss and whether it should be used for weight management.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of Jardiance’s uses, its effectiveness in promoting weight loss, and what to consider before starting the medication.
What is Jardiance?
Jardiance belongs to a class of medications known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The FDA approved it in 2014 for treating type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Jardiance is empagliflozin, which inhibits SGLT2 proteins in the kidneys.
Kidneys maintain the right balance of electrolytes and molecules like glucose in our bodies while producing urine. They filter glucose from the bloodstream and allow excess to be removed from the body. The SGLT2 receptors counteract this and reabsorb some glucose back into the bloodstream. Jardiance is an SGLT2 inhibitor that blocks this receptor, preventing glucose reabsorption and leading to more glucose being excreted in urine. This helps lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Benefits of Taking Jardiance For Weight Loss
Clinical trials have linked Jardiance with several overall health benefits. While not studied specifically in the context of weight management, Jardiance can positively impact conditions that often occur in conjunction with obesity (1, 2,3).
Blood Sugar Control
By inhibiting the SGLT2 receptor, Jardiance decreases glucose reabsorption, improving blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Blood Pressure Reduction
Jardiance can modestly reduce blood pressure by acting as a diuretic, reducing fluid volume and blood vessel resistance. As a result, it eases the workload on the heart and benefits patients with heart failure.
Cardiovascular Protection
Jardiance offers significant cardiovascular benefits, lowering the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, improvements in blood vessel function may play a role.
Kidney Protection
Jardiance has been shown to slow the progression of kidney disease, a common complication of prolonged type 2 diabetes, by reducing blood glucose levels and mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress.
Risks of Taking Jardiance For Weight Loss
There are a few risks associated with Jardiance to keep in mind. Consult your provider to understand how these could impact you:
Increased Risk of Infections
Jardiance may increase the risk of genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections due to excess glucose excretion, which promotes microbial growth. Good hygiene and hydration can help mitigate this risk.
Dehydration and Low Blood Pressure
Jardiance's diuretic effect can lead to increased urination, potentially causing dehydration and low blood pressure, particularly in older adults or those taking other diuretics. Drinking plenty of water and monitoring for symptoms like dizziness are crucial.
Does Jardiance Lead To Weight Loss?
While Jardiance is not FDA-approved for treating weight loss, there are clinical studies that show its potential in aiding weight reduction. This can be especially useful for patients with Type 2 diabetes who are also overweight or obese.
A clinical study revealed that patients taking Jardiance typically experienced weight loss ranging from 1.4kg (3.1 lbs.) to 2.1kg (4.6 lbs.) on average (4). This works because glucose contains 4 calories per gram. As Jardiance helps the body excrete glucose through urine, it also results in the loss of calories, potentially leading to weight reduction.
Who Can Take Jardiance?
Jardiance is typically prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels effectively. Additionally, it's used for those diagnosed with heart failure, offering benefits such as lowering blood pressure and protecting the heart. These conditions often result in elevated average blood glucose levels (HgA1c) and weakened heart function. While Jardiance isn't FDA-approved for weight management, its multifaceted benefits make it a valuable tool in comprehensive diabetes and heart health management (3).
Other Medications That Stimulate Weight Loss
If you're struggling with being overweight or obese and seeking pharmaceutical therapy, there are medications that are more effective for weight management that are worth exploring. For instance, medications like Zepbound, Wegovy, or Ozempic, originally designed to treat diabetes, have shown potent effects on weight reduction. Additionally, there are other options to consider.
GLP-1 Medications
This category includes various synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonists that mimic the body's natural hormone, helping to regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and stomach emptying. This includes medications that use semaglutide, like Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, like Zepbound and Mounjaro. Some are FDA-approved for weight loss, while others are used off-label. They’re typically given as injections.
Topiramate
By altering GABA and Glutamate channels in the brain, topiramate can effectively suppress cravings and appetite. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but is often used off-label and is usually taken in pill form.
Bupropion
Working as a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor for norepinephrine and dopamine, bupropion increases their concentrations in the brain, thereby altering hunger and mood. It is used off-label for weight loss and is usually taken in pill form.
Naltrexone
Acting as a mu-receptor antagonist, naltrexone suppresses appetite and cravings by inhibiting the effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It’s generally administered as an oral pill and used off-label for weight management.
Orlistat
This medication functions as a lipase inhibitor, preventing the breakdown of fats in the intestines and resulting in their excretion in stool. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of obesity and is taken as a pill.
More on Medications For Weight Loss
If you're intrigued by the potential benefits of medications like GLP-1 agonists and others for weight management, take the next step towards exploring your options. Click here to find out if you’re eligible for a medication-assisted weight loss program at Mochi Health. Our knowledgeable providers specialize in obesity medicine and will craft the best treatment plan to fit your needs and goals. Don't hesitate to take control of your health and start your path toward a healthier you.
Sources:
- Liu, X.-Y., Zhang, N., Chen, R., Zhao, J.-G., & Yu, P. (2015). Efficacy and safety of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for 1 to 2years. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications, 29(8), 1295–1303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2015.07.011
- Zou, C.-Y., Liu, X.-K., Sang, Y.-Q., Wang, B., & Liang, J. (2019). Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 98(49), e18245–e18245. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000018245
- Clar, C., Gill, J. A., Court, R., & Waugh, N. (2012). Systematic review of SGLT2 receptor inhibitors in dual or triple therapy in type 2 diabetes. BMJ Open, 2(5), e001007-. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001007
- Neeland, I. J., McGuire, D. K., Chilton, R., Crowe, S., Lund, S. S., Woerle, H. J., Broedl, U. C., & Johansen, O. E. (2016, March). Empagliflozin reduces body weight and indices of adipose distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes & vascular disease research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768401/
