Does crestor cause weight gain?
Statins such as Crestor (rosuvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), and Mevacor (lovastatin) are prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Weight gain is not a recognized pharmacologic side effect of these medications.
However, some patients report gaining weight after starting a statin. Proposed explanations include:
- Altered appetite regulation: animal studies suggest statins may reduce leptin levels, though human evidence is lacking
- Behavioral changes: feeling “protected” by medication may lead to reduced adherence to diet and exercise
- Age‑ or disease‑related weight trends coinciding with statin initiation
How to avoid weight gain while on Crestor
- Maintain a heart‑healthy diet: focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins; limit saturated and trans fats
- Exercise regularly: aim for at least 150 minutes/week of moderate activity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous activity, plus two days of strength training
- Monitor weight and waist circumference: track changes and adjust lifestyle as needed
- Stay hydrated and manage stress: both can influence appetite and body composition
How statins work
Statins inhibit HMG‑CoA reductase in the liver, reducing cholesterol synthesis. This leads to a 20%–45% reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, modest triglyceride lowering, and a small increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Lowering LDL slows atherosclerotic plaque buildup and reduces cardiovascular events.
Common side effects of Crestor
- Muscle aches or weakness (8%–13%)
- Joint pain (4%–10%)
- Headache (6%–9%)
- Nausea (2%–6%)
- Constipation (up to 5%)
Rare but serious Crestor side effects
- Rhabdomyolysis: severe muscle breakdown causing dark urine, kidney injury
- Severe liver injury: jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain
- New‑onset diabetes: small increase in blood sugar levels
- Cognitive changes: reversible memory loss or confusion
Special precautions
Before starting Crestor, inform your provider of:
- Allergies to statins or tablet ingredients
- Concurrent medications (e.g., grapefruit juice, cyclosporine, fibrates, certain protease inhibitors)
- Alcohol intake (>2 drinks/day)
- Medical conditions (liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorders, planned surgery, pregnancy, breastfeeding)
How to take Crestor
Take Crestor once daily, at any time, with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not double doses or stop therapy without consulting your provider.
Sources
- Gotto AM Jr. Statins: Powerful drugs for lowering cholesterol. Circulation. 2002. Accessed Apr 25, 2025.
- Crestor (rosuvastatin) tablet, film coated [package insert]. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; updated 7/2024. Accessed Apr 25, 2025.