{"id":633381,"date":"2025-09-12T09:30:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T13:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=633381"},"modified":"2025-09-03T15:08:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T19:08:54","slug":"does-emgality-cause-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-emgality-cause-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Emgality cause weight gain?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The link between obesity and migraines is well established. People who are overweight have triple the odds of developing chronic headaches compared to those who maintain a healthy body weight, according to the American Migraine Foundation. While excess weight may increase the risk of migraines, certain migraine treatments have raised questions about whether they might also contribute to weight changes, further complicating this relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you experience migraines, chronic headaches, or cluster headaches, your provider may prescribe a medication like <\/span>Emgality (galcanezumab)<\/span><\/a>. Emgality is a monoclonal antibody that targets calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRPs), which researchers now know can play a key role in triggering migraine pain. FDA approved in 2018, this subcutaneous injection is available in a pre-filled syringe and is known for its effectiveness with relatively minimal side effects. Importantly, unlike some other migraine medications that have been associated with weight gain, galcanezumab has not been shown to be associated with a significant increase in body weight.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tEmgality 1ml of 120mg\/ml (1 Pen)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$626.45\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$626.45\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Emgality prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

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

A <\/span>medical review<\/span><\/a> found that galcanezumab is effective for both episodic and chronic migraines. The review also emphasized that <\/span>side effects of Emgality<\/span><\/a> are generally minimal, with most patients tolerating the medication well even after a year of use. Weight gain is not a common side effect, notes <\/span>Marie Labadie-DeGennaro,<\/span><\/a> DNP, an advanced practice registered nurse at the University of South Florida College of Medicine Neurology.<\/span><\/p>\n

Labadie-DeGennaro treats many migraine patients with <\/span>Emgality<\/span><\/a>, and weight gain is rarely reported. \u201c<\/span>I have had it reported twice in over 5 years, and it is unclear if there is a connection,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research supports her clinical observation. In a <\/span>meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> of eight separate studies, investigators found no significant changes in weight among people taking galcanezumab. While a small percentage of patients experienced shifts of at least 7% of their starting body weight, slightly more with weight gain than weight loss, these differences were not considered clinically meaningful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, concern about weight gain is understandable. Most <\/span>preventive migraine medications<\/span><\/a> are associated with weight gain, and patients often worry about this potential side effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several possible reasons why migraine drugs in general may affect weight. Some can slow metabolism or increase appetite. Others may influence hormone levels. Certain medications also cause fatigue, which can decrease activity levels and make weight management more difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you experience weight gain while taking Emgality or another migraine treatment, seek medical advice from your provider. While the medication itself may play a role, other factors, such as lifestyle changes, other prescriptions, or underlying health conditions, can also contribute.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Emgality make it hard to lose weight?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cEmgality should not have any significant impact on your weight,\u201d <\/span>Labadie-DeGennaro says, including the ability to lose weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, living with chronic headaches or migraines can make weight management more difficult for reasons unrelated to Emgality itself. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n