Does Gemtesa cause weight gain?

In this article:

• Gemtesa weight gain
• Weight loss on Gemtesa
• Tips for weight management
• Alternatives

In this article

• Gemtesa weight gain
• Weight loss on Gemtesa
• Tips for weight management
• Alternatives

People living with overactive bladder (OAB) are often prescribed Gemtesa, an oral tablet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relieve overactive bladder symptoms such as urinary incontinence. When getting a new prescription, it’s normal to wonder about possible side effects. For instance, does Gemtesa cause weight gain? The answer is no; Gemtesa isn’t associated with weight changes. 

Here’s what you need to know about weight gain or weight loss on Gemtesa, including tips for managing your weight while on this medication.

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Can Gemtesa cause weight gain?

“There’s currently no evidence that Gemtesa—or other beta-3 adrenergic agonists—causes weight gain,” says Barbara Sparacino, MD, a triple board-certified physician and founder of The Aging Parent Coach. “But here’s the thing: When a patient tells me they’ve gained weight since starting a new medication, I don’t just wave it away because it’s not listed in the side effects.” 

Dr. Sparacino lists several reasons a person might experience weight gain while living with an overactive bladder: inactivity due to concerns about leakage during workouts, better appetite and energy thanks to fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom, or even chronic stress from dealing with the underlying health condition. 

It’s also important to know that while Gemtesa doesn’t cause weight gain, this drug is not without side effects. The most common Gemtesa side effects are headache, common cold symptoms, diarrhea, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection. None of these side effects should cause weight gain, and in fact, diarrhea could cause temporary weight loss. That said, Gemtesa does increase the risk of urinary retention in some people. Theoretically, fluid retention could lead to a higher body weight, but the effect would be temporary. Anyone struggling to fully empty their bladder while on Gemtesa should seek urgent medical attention, as urinary retention is a serious side effect that can cause urinary tract infections (UTI) and potentially life-threatening kidney problems.

Does Gemtesa make it hard to lose weight?

No, taking Gemtesa should not make it more challenging to lose weight. Dr. Sparacino says research suggests that Gemtesa may even improve glycemic control, making weight management easier. A 2019 scientific journal report also noted that beta-3 adrenergic agonists have potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects. 

In other words, while Gemtesa is not a weight loss drug, the medication’s blood sugar-regulating effects may support weight loss efforts such as consuming a reduced-calorie diet or exercising regularly. 

Tips for managing your weight on Gemtesa

“Even though the medication itself isn’t directly tied to weight changes, I do hear this concern a lot—and I get it,” says Dr. Sparacino. “Living with overactive bladder can be incredibly disruptive. People change their routines. They stop drinking water because they’re scared of leaks, or they avoid going out altogether. And then they wonder why they feel sluggish, foggy, or like their body isn’t cooperating.”

If someone’s trying to maintain a healthy weight while on Gemtesa, here’s what healthcare professionals recommend:

• Fill your plate with whole, unprocessed foods. Swap packaged snacks for fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Amy Woodman, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Farmington Valley Nutrition and Wellness in Simsbury, Connecticut, emphasizes the importance of eating enough protein and fiber. She says beans and lentils offer both. “Fiber has the added benefit of keeping you regular, which is important because constipation can exacerbate overactive bladder symptoms by putting pressure on the bladder.”
• Exercise regularly. “Keep moving in ways that feel safe,” Dr. Sparacino says. “That might mean at-home workouts, pelvic floor–friendly exercises, or even just short walks throughout the day.”
• Stay hydrated. Dr. Sparacino says it’s a myth that drinking less water helps with OAB. Rather, healthy hydration helps with weight maintenance and bladder health. If you’re feeling thirsty, Woodman says a simple glass of water is best, but you can also stay hydrated with decaffeinated tea, electrolyte drinks, or coconut water.
• Don’t skip meals. “While it might seem like a good way to cut calories, going for too long without eating might leave you more likely to opt for chips or sweets instead of a healthy, balanced meal,” says Woodman. Though Gemtesa can be taken with or without food, some people find that taking their daily dose of Gemtesa at mealtime helps them remember to take it. 

While there are no foods you must avoid while taking Gemtesa, it’s a good idea to cut back on caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and carbonated drinks—not for weight management purposes but because these substances are known bladder irritants. 

Alternatives to Gemtesa

Gemtesa isn’t your only option for treating OAB symptoms, though it is one of the most well-tolerated due to its mild side effects. Common Gemtesa alternatives include Myrbetriq (mirabegron), another beta-3 adrenergic agonist, and several anticholinergic medications.

Myrbetriq (mirabegron)

Gemtesa and Myrbetriq are both beta-3 adrenergic agonists that work by relaxing the bladder muscle. Like Gemtesa, Myrbetriq is not associated with weight gain. They have similar side effect profiles, but Myrbetriq is known to cause an increase in blood pressure. Given that, Myrbetriq may not be the best OAB treatment for people with hypertension (high blood pressure) or obesity, a risk factor for hypertension. 

Anticholinergics

This type of drug works by blocking a specific neurotransmitter, which in turn stops involuntary muscle movement in the bladder. Anticholinergic drugs used to treat OAB include Vesicare (solifenacin succinate), Ditropan (oxybutynin), Detrol (tolterodine), and darifenacin.

Like Gemtesa, anticholinergics do not directly cause weight gain. Their common side effects include constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth. Some also cause an upset stomach. Dry mouth leads some individuals to eat and drink more frequently because these activities stimulate salivary production. In that case, a person might gain weight.

Ultimately, only a healthcare provider who knows your medical history, other medical conditions, and other prescription and over-the-counter drugs (including supplements) you take can offer medical advice on why you might be gaining or losing weight on Gemtesa. If you are concerned about weight fluctuations or any other changes since starting Gemtesa, talk to a healthcare professional about other treatment options for your OAB symptoms.