Does farxiga cause weight loss?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor used with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It’s also approved to reduce kidney disease progression and heart failure hospitalizations. Farxiga is not a weight‑loss drug, but modest weight loss is a known effect.
How much weight loss?
Clinical trials found:
- 5–10 mg daily → ≈6 lb loss over 24 weeks.
- With metformin → 6–7 lb loss over 24 weeks; postmarketing reports up to 10 lb.
Individual results vary by diet, exercise, and other medications.
How it works
Farxiga blocks glucose reabsorption in the kidney, causing ≈75 g sugar (≈300 kcal) to be excreted daily. This calorie loss plus increased fat oxidation contributes to weight loss.
Weight loss timeline
- First few days: mainly water weight.
- 6 weeks onward: gradual fat loss, continuing up to 6 months.
Achieving ≥5% weight reduction improves cardiovascular risk; even 3% yields benefits.
Common side effects
- Genital yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Upper respiratory infections
- Back pain
- Increased urination
- High cholesterol
- Nausea, constipation
- Weight loss
Serious side effects
- Anaphylaxis (hives, facial swelling, breathing issues)
- Hypoglycemia (with sulfonylureas)
- Dehydration, hypotension, renal impairment
- Serious UTIs requiring hospitalization
- Fournier’s gangrene
When to avoid Farxiga
- Allergy to dapagliflozin or excipients
- Type 1 diabetes or ketoacidosis
- Severe kidney impairment or dialysis
- Pregnancy (2nd/3rd trimester) or breastfeeding
Discuss all medical conditions, medications, and family history with your provider.
Appetite effects
Farxiga does not directly suppress appetite but may reduce hunger through calorie loss and glycosuria.
Summary
- Farxiga can produce modest weight loss (~5–10 lb over 6 months).
- Weight loss results vary; factors include diet, exercise, and concomitant drugs.
- Monitor for side effects and stay hydrated to reduce risks.
Sources
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin) tablets [package insert]. AstraZeneca. 2022. Accessed Apr 21, 2025.
- Wilding J, et al. Glycated Hemoglobin, Body Weight and Blood Pressure with Dapagliflozin. Diabetes Ther. 2016;7(4):695‑711. Accessed Apr 21, 2025.
- ElSayed NA, et al. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2023: Obesity and weight management. Diabetes Care. 2022. Accessed Apr 21, 2025.
- Brown E, et al. Weight loss variability with SGLT2 inhibitors. Obesity Rev. 2019. Accessed Apr 21, 2025.