Patients may be prescribed statins as a cardiovascular treatment to lower LDL cholesterol. Most people assume cholesterol in the blood comes from fatty foods, but most is made by the liver. Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces and by helping the liver remove cholesterol from the blood. Like any prescription medication, statins come with possible side effects. But do statins cause weight gain?
Some patients report gaining weight during the time of taking statin medication, leading them to believe it is a side effect. That is not necessarily the case, and the reason for putting on a few pounds is much more complex. Here, the cardiology team at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island explains the correlation between statins and weight gain.
Weight Gain Associated with Statins Explained
Statins are not known to cause weight gain directly, even though some taking the medication experience this. When examining the effects and safety of statins in clinical trials, researchers found no evidence leading them to believe the medication is the direct source of unexpected weight gain. Therefore, it is not a reported side effect, which is why warning labels of the drugs do not mention it.
So, why do patients see a higher number on the scale when they take statins? Unhealthy habits could be causing a person to experience weight gain. If a patient leads an unhealthy life before taking statins and during, they will most likely gain weight. For these patients, chances are they would have experienced similar weight gain even without being prescribed the medication.
Another possible reason is dietary changes. While taking statins, patients may develop a false sense of security. Patients may feel their habits are protected by the medication, resulting in a higher consumption of extra fat and calories. These poor eating habits can be attributed to the weight gain rather than the medication itself. To achieve optimal results, statins should be used in addition to healthy lifestyle changes.
Another possible reason is statins may decrease leptin levels, as found in a study performed on isolated human fat cells. Leptin is a hormone that helps regulate hunger and body weight. A person with low levels of leptin commonly experiences an increased appetite, causing them to eat more and consequently gain weight.
More research is needed to understand the full scope of statins and the causes of weight gain.
Managing Weight Gain
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of cholesterol management and vital to a person’s overall well-being. Patients prescribed statin medication can maintain a moderate weight or limit weight gain by performing healthy habits, such as:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying physically active and exercising regularly
- Getting the recommended amount of sleep every night
- Limit portion sizes to manage calorie intake
- Avoiding food and drinks that are high in added sugar
- Staying hydrated
Other Possible Side Effects of Statins
In addition to subsequent weight gain, patients taking statins may experience other side effects, including:
- Joint stiffness
- Headache
- Muscle aches or spasms
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion or memory loss
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Inflammation of the throat and nasal area
- Pain in extremities
- Indigestion or gas
- Trouble sleeping
Statins interact with every patient differently. Some patients may experience side effects while others experience none. Side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks, but can last longer and become severe.
If side effects become too much, patients should talk to their healthcare provider about other alternatives.
Why You Shouldn’t Stop Taking Statins
Patients who experience weight gain while taking statins may be tempted to stop the medication. Doing this without the approval of a medical professional can be potentially dangerous. If a person stops taking their prescribed statin medication, their cholesterol levels will increase and they will be at a higher risk of serious health problems, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is a bulge in the heart’s aorta that can burst
- Heart failure
The risk is especially high for people who have a history of heart conditions or who have already experienced one heart event.
Education and Care at Richmond University Medical Center
The Vascular Institute at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York, is a wellness hub for patients experiencing cardiovascular complications. Our dedicated and professional healthcare experts offer comprehensive services that involve effective solutions to treat a wide range of conditions concerning the cardiovascular system.
In addition, we educate patients on how to manage the side effects of various medications, including statins. While statins are not known to directly cause weight gain, we work with patients to help them maintain a healthy weight. Contact us today to learn more about statins and weight gain or to schedule an appointment.
