Does rosuvastatin cause weight gain?

In this article:

• Can rosuvastatin cause weight gain?
• Why might rosuvastatin weight gain happen?
• Common rosuvastatin side effects
• What to do about rosuvastatin weight gain

In this article

• Can rosuvastatin cause weight gain?
• Why might rosuvastatin weight gain happen?
• Common rosuvastatin side effects
• What to do about rosuvastatin weight gain

Rosuvastatin is the generic version of Crestor and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides. Rosuvastatin is a type of statin drug that works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces and decreasing cholesterol levels in the blood. Lowering cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), helps prevent heart disease, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. 

Some people taking rosuvastatin wonder whether rosuvastatin causes weight gain, whether they’re noticing weight gain while taking the drug, or have heard people talking about this side effect. It’s a concern many statin users have about rosuvastatin, as well as other common statin medications. Here, we’ll unpack the question of whether rosuvastatin can cause weight gain, as well as weight loss options for people who notice increasing weight while taking rosuvastatin.

Can rosuvastatin cause weight gain?

Although many people report weight gain while taking rosuvastatin and other statins, there is no research linking rosuvastatin use and weight gain. 

“Rosuvastatin has not been associated with clinically significant weight gain,” says Diala Alatassi, MD, obesity medicine physician at TeleSlim Clinic.

As Dr. Alatassi notes, there is some research linking statin use with very small increases in body weight. For example, a 2018 meta-analysis published by the American Heart Association found that statin therapy increases body weight by 0.24 kg over the course of four years. But this small amount of weight gain “does not make it clinically important,” Dr. Alatassi says.

Why might rosuvastatin weight gain happen?

Although rosuvastatin weight gain isn’t a listed side effect of taking the medication, weight gain is something that both patients and healthcare professionals often notice. “Even though weight gain isn’t officially listed as a common side effect, I have had patients tell me they’ve noticed it after starting rosuvastatin,” says Annika Kariniemi, RN, APRN, CNP, a family nurse practitioner and founder of Activ8 Health.

According to Kariniemi, while there’s no clear evidence that rosuvastatin directly causes people to store more fat, there are a few other ways that the medication may play a role in weight increases.

Age-related causes

One possible cause of rosuvastatin weight gain is the age-related metabolic changes that happen among people who typically take rosuvastatin or other statins. “Since many people start statins in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, when metabolism naturally slows, the timing can make it feel like the medication is to blame,” Kariniemi adds.

Certain rosuvastatin side effects

One of the most common side effects of rosuvastatin and other statins is muscle aches and pains. Symptoms like muscle pain and fatigue from rosuvastatin create “a perfect storm for weight gain,” says Leonard A. Berkowitz, PA-C, a certified physician assistant and the cofounder of the Center for Men’s Health Rhode Island (CMH-RI).

“When my patients hurt and feel tired, they stop lifting weights and become more sedentary,” he describes. “I’ve seen guys go from regular gym sessions to couch time because their legs ache constantly on statins.”

Some people taking rosuvastatin experience lower energy levels and fatigue as a side effect of rosuvastatin. These side effects “can make you less active without even realizing it,” Kariniemi describes. In turn, this inactivity and lack of exercise can cause weight gain.

Insulin resistance with statin use

Finally, though these changes are minimal, there’s also some research that has linked statin use to metabolic changes associated with weight gain. “Some research shows that some statins, including rosuvastatin, can cause a small increase in risk in hemoglobin A1C, increasing the risk of pre-diabetes/diabetes,” Dr. Alatassi says. “And that can cause weight gain in the mechanism of insulin resistance, and increased fat mass.”

Of note, some research—including a 2023 review published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine—has found that these metabolic changes are more likely to happen at higher doses of statins and with high-intensity statin therapy.

Common rosuvastatin side effects

Like all medications, rosuvastatin can have possible side effects. Overall, most people who take rosuvastatin don’t notice significant side effects. Statin medications in general are considered safe, and their proven ability to reduce cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease tends to outweigh most risk factors and possible side effects.

The most common side effects of rosuvastatin include headaches, fatigue, low energy, and joint pain. Some people experience gastrointestinal issues like nausea and constipation. One of the most prevalent side effects of rosuvastatin are muscle aches, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

 Though rare, some rosuvastatin side effects can be serious. Serious side effects of rosuvastatin can include liver issues, kidney issues, and rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of muscle tissue.

Less common side effects of rosuvastatin include:

• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity or allergy symptoms like rashes, hives, and swelling
• Pancreatitis

Usually, people who take statins like rosuvastatin need to take them for the rest of their lives to control their cholesterol as they age and decrease cardiovascular issues. For the most part, rosuvastatin does not have negative long-term effects. Most effects of rosuvastatin include the side effects listed above, such as muscle and joint pain, constipation, and headaches. Once the medication is discontinued, these side effects end and don’t have lasting impacts on the body.

What to do about rosuvastatin weight gain

If you notice your weight increasing, seek medical advice from a healthcare provider first to evaluate the cause of the weight gain. Importantly, don’t stop taking rosuvastatin without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), it’s important to continue treating it. Most of the time, if you are unhappy with side effects, your provider will discuss other rosuvastatin alternatives or other cholesterol-lowering medication options.

“Sometimes I suggest simvastatin and pravastatin, which have less effect on hyperglycemia and thus weight gain,” Dr. Alatassi says. “Switching to one of those agents in the setting of excessive weight gain can be reasonable, although direct head-to-head trials about statins’ effect on weight have not been done yet.”

Whatever is causing your weight gain, adhering to a healthy diet is essential for your heart, cholesterol levels, metabolic health, and body weight. “Stick with meals built around lean proteins, colorful veggies, and high-fiber carbs to help you feel full and keep blood sugar steady,” Kariniemi recommends. She also suggests daily movement like walking or cycling, and doing strength training two to three times a week.

Lastly, don’t forget to focus on other lifestyle changes that can impact weight, health, and overall cardiovascular health. “Good hydration, stress management, and solid sleep all play a role in keeping your weight and your heart healthy,” Kariniemi concludes.