{"id":629654,"date":"2024-09-23T09:30:12","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T13:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629654"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:43:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:43:56","slug":"does-atorvastatin-cause-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-atorvastatin-cause-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does atorvastatin cause weight gain?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Atorvastatin, first branded as <\/span>Lipitor<\/span><\/a>, is a generic prescription drug that is FDA approved to treat hyperlipidemia, commonly known as high <\/span>cholesterol<\/span><\/a>. It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease. Atorvastatin belongs to a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, which are commonly prescribed together with a healthy diet and exercise to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Atorvastatin is not one of the many <\/span>medications known to cause weight gain<\/span><\/a>. Still, some people do gain weight on statin medications such as atorvastatin. Exactly how and why may vary, but <\/span>research<\/span><\/a> has linked statin use with increased calorie intake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can atorvastatin cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“Research suggests that statins do not directly cause significant weight gain or fat redistribution, such as belly fat,” says <\/span>Sue Ojageer, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, founder of <\/span>Pharmacy Mentors<\/span><\/a> and a <\/span>SingleCare Best of the Best Pharmacy Awards winner<\/span><\/a>. “That said, any medication can have side effects, and some patients may notice changes in their weight or body composition while on statins.”<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, weight gain is not a side effect of atorvastatin, but taking this <\/span>statin drug<\/span><\/a> may cause other effects that impact your weight. Factors that may contribute to weight gain while taking a statin include:<\/span><\/p>\n