Does Jardiance Cause Weight Loss?

What Is Jardiance (Empagliflozin)?

Drug Class and Approved Uses

Jardiance is the brand name for **empagliflozin**, an oral **SGLT2 inhibitor**. This class lowers blood sugar by blocking glucose reabsorption in the kidneys so more glucose is lost in urine. It’s approved for adults with **type 2 diabetes** to improve glycemic control and to reduce certain **cardiovascular risks**; it’s also used to lower the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in adults with **heart failure**, and to slow progression in select adults with **chronic kidney disease**—see consumer overviews from MedlinePlus and the Mayo Clinic drug monograph for context.

Jardiance is **not indicated for type 1 diabetes** and should not be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Eligibility can depend on kidney function, other medications, and overall risk factors, so dosing and monitoring are individualized by a clinician.

How Could Jardiance Lead to Weight Loss?

Glycosuria = Calorie Loss

Empagliflozin blocks SGLT2 in the kidneys so more **glucose is excreted in urine**. Those lost grams of glucose represent **lost calories**, which can translate into modest weight reduction over time. Early changes may include a small **water-weight drop** from osmotic effects; later, some reduction in **fat mass** appears as the body no longer retains those calories. Mechanism details are summarized in StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf).

Diuresis Without Being a “Diuretic”

Because glucose drags water with it, people often urinate more—an **osmotic diuresis**. That can make Jardiance feel “diuretic-like,” but it’s **not classified as a diuretic**. Hydration matters: inadequate fluid intake may cause dizziness or low blood pressure in susceptible people. Practical expectations about the **magnitude** of weight change (generally modest and variable) are outlined in this consumer explainer from Drugs.com.

How Much Weight Loss to Expect (and When)?

Typical Averages

Jardiance isn’t a weight-loss drug, and the **average change is modest**. Consumer drug summaries report **around 4–6 lb (≈2–3%) over ~6 months** in adults with type 2 diabetes, with substantial individual variability; results depend on diet, activity, and other medicines, as outlined by GoodRx. Weight can plateau after the first few months and may drift back if the medication is stopped.

Timing and Dose (10 mg vs 25 mg)

Early shifts may reflect **water loss** from osmotic diuresis; longer-term changes tend to reflect **calorie loss** via glycosuria. Dose is usually **10 mg once daily**, with **25 mg** considered when glycemic or cardiorenal goals warrant it, per the Mayo Clinic monograph. For weight, differences between **10 mg and 25 mg** appear **small**; clinicians choose dosing mainly for glucose, heart, and kidney indications rather than weight change. Combination therapy (for example, with metformin) can modestly influence outcomes, but **individual response varies**.

Real-world results vary. Baseline **A1C**, **BMI**, and other medicines (for example, metformin or insulin) all influence outcomes, as do **nutrition, activity, sleep, and consistency**. It’s common to see an early shift that **plateaus** over time. If the medication is **stopped**, weight typically trends back toward baseline unless lifestyle changes are sustained. Remember, individual responses can differ widely—even within the same dose—so your clinician will frame expectations around your overall health goals.

Is Jardiance for Weight Loss in People Without Diabetes?

Off-Label Context

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is **not FDA-approved for weight loss**. Its approved indications focus on type 2 diabetes, certain heart-failure populations, and chronic kidney disease risk reduction; none authorize use as an obesity medication. Full indications and limitations appear in the FDA Prescribing Information. In trials, average weight change with empagliflozin has been **modest**, and benefits must be weighed against risks such as dehydration and genitourinary infections, which can occur even outside diabetes. Consumer drug summaries discuss these trade-offs for patients considering therapy with their clinician (e.g., MedicalNewsToday).

Why It Isn’t an Obesity Medication

Anti-obesity drugs are approved specifically for chronic weight management with defined risk–benefit profiles. By contrast, Jardiance’s weight effect stems from **calorie loss via glycosuria**, which tends to yield **small, variable changes**. Using it solely for weight loss—particularly in people without diabetes—may expose patients to adverse effects **without** the robust weight outcomes seen with dedicated therapies. If weight management is the primary goal, clinicians typically discuss **lifestyle foundations** and consider **approved** chronic-weight-management medications when appropriate.

Does Jardiance Affect Blood Pressure or Fluid Balance?

Blood Pressure Effects

Because empagliflozin promotes urinary glucose (and some sodium) loss, many people see a **small average drop in blood pressure**. This can be helpful if your BP runs high, but it may cause **dizziness or lightheadedness** in some—especially when standing up quickly, during illness, or if you’re dehydrated. Safety information about **volume depletion and hypotension** is outlined in MedlinePlus and consumer summaries note typical **modest** reductions.

Fluid Balance and “Does It Make You Pee?”

Jardiance increases urine output via **osmotic diuresis**—so yes, **you may pee more often**, particularly at the start. Staying hydrated helps; your clinician may also review **diuretics** or blood-pressure medicines to reduce additive effects. Consumer drug explainers that discuss these changes and the typical magnitude of BP reduction (often just a few mmHg) include Drugs.com. Seek care promptly if you have fainting, a racing heartbeat, or signs of severe dehydration (e.g., very dark urine, confusion).

Practical tips: **stand up slowly**, consider **home BP checks** for the first 2–4 weeks, and ask your clinician to review **diuretics or BP meds** (ACE inhibitors/ARBs) to avoid additive drops. Prioritize **regular hydration**, especially in heat or illness. Call your care team if you have **severe dizziness, fainting, a racing heartbeat, confusion, or very dark urine**—these can signal volume depletion that needs attention.

Side Effects If Weight Loss Is Your Goal

Common Effects to Expect

Because empagliflozin increases sugar and water loss in urine, **thirst**, **more frequent urination**, and **dry mouth** are common. **Genital yeast infections** (vulvovaginal candidiasis, balanitis) and **urinary tract infections** can occur, sometimes recurrent. Some people report **dizziness**, especially on standing, and **fatigue** during illness or when fluids run low. GI changes (e.g., **diarrhea** or **constipation**) are usually mild and often tied to diet or other medicines. A concise safety overview appears in the FDA Prescribing Information.

Red Flags—When to Seek Care

Call your clinician urgently for **signs of ketoacidosis** (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, unusual fatigue—even if blood sugar isn’t very high), **fainting**, **confusion**, or **severe dehydration**. Rare but serious risks include **Fournier’s gangrene** (pain, tenderness, swelling, or redness in the genital/perineal area, with fever or malaise). People on low-carb/ketogenic diets, those who fast, or who have recent surgery/illness may face higher ketoacidosis risk. A plain-language summary of common and serious effects is available in MedicalNewsToday’s Jardiance overview.

Who Should Avoid Using Jardiance for Weight Loss—and Safer Alternatives

Who Might Not Be a Good Fit

Jardiance isn’t approved for weight loss, and some people may be **poor candidates** for using it with weight as the primary goal. It’s **not for type 1 diabetes** or treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis; suitability also depends on **kidney function**, hydration status, other blood-pressure or diuretic medicines, and a history of **recurrent genital yeast or urinary infections**. Professional risks and limitations are detailed in the FDA Prescribing Information. Consumer safety notes (e.g., dehydration, hypotension, infections) are summarized on MedlinePlus. If weight change is your main objective, your clinician can help weigh these risks against modest, variable weight effects.

Safer, Purpose-Built Options

For primary weight management, start with **nutrition, activity, sleep, and behavioral supports**. When medication is appropriate, clinicians usually discuss **FDA-approved chronic weight-management drugs** (chosen for your medical profile) rather than relying on Jardiance’s incidental weight effect. Any therapy should include **ongoing monitoring** for side effects, hydration, and overall metabolic health, with a plan to pause treatment during acute illness or before certain procedures if advised by your care team.

How to Take Jardiance (If Prescribed) and Monitoring

Dosing & How to Take

Most adults start at **10 mg once daily**; some may use **25 mg** if additional effect is needed and appropriate for their kidney/cardiac profile. Take it **at the same time each day**, with or without food, and stay well hydrated. Full dosing details and precautions are outlined in the FDA Prescribing Information.

Monitoring, Pausing, and Combining With Other Drugs

Your clinician will check **kidney function**, blood pressure, and overall fluid status before and during treatment. You may be advised to **temporarily stop** Jardiance during acute illness, prolonged fasting, or before certain procedures to lower rare ketoacidosis risk. If you also take **insulin or a sulfonylurea**, your care team may adjust those doses to reduce **hypoglycemia** risk. Practical patient instructions and monitoring considerations are summarized in the Mayo Clinic monograph.

“Sick-day” guidance: **pause** the medication during **vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or poor oral intake**, and before certain procedures if your clinician advises. **Restart only after** you’re eating and drinking normally again and you’ve confirmed the plan with your care team. This helps lower rare ketoacidosis risk and keeps blood pressure and hydration stable during recovery.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This website connects patients with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate medical conditions and prescribe medications when appropriate. Some medications available through this service may be compounded drugs, which are customized formulations prepared by a pharmacy. The FDA does not conduct premarket review for compounded drugs to evaluate their safety, effectiveness, or quality. (See here: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/it-really-fda-approved). Individual results may vary, and these medications should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.