Some people taking statins may gain weight due to factors not directly related to the medication. No evidence exists that statins cause weight gain.
Weight gain is not a reported side effect of statin use, but gaining weight during statin treatment is possible, mainly due to changes in dietary habits.
Limited evidence also suggests that some statins may contribute to weight gain by lowering leptin levels. Leptin is a protein hormone that helps your body regulate long-term energy levels and body weight.
Some people report body changes while taking statins, including:
Dietary changes may be one reason some people taking statins gain weight. People who take statins may feel they don’t need to watch what they eat anymore, which could lead them to add fat and calories to their diet.
Read more:Type 2 diabetes: New Ozempic pill now available in the U.S.
A 2025 study on the effects of atorvastatin on young pigs found that the drug caused metabolic changes in the animals. These findings do not prove that statins cause weight gain, but they may explain how they affect metabolism. More specifically, researchers observed:
Results of animal studies do not always apply to humans, though. More research is needed to understand the link between statins and weight changes.
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:
There is no best statin for weight management since these medications are prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels, not to decrease or change body weight. Your doctor will prescribe the statin and the appropriate dosage for you.
Some evidence suggests that people taking statins often gain 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.
