Table of Contents

Jardiance (empagliflozin) belongs to a class of medicines known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These drugs help the kidneys remove excess sugar by passing it into the urine, which lowers blood sugar and reduces cardiovascular risk.

Jardiance is approved to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, and is not approved for weight loss. However, because glucose in the urine also carries calories, people taking Jardiance often experience modest weight loss.

This article reviews how Jardiance works, the science behind its effects on body weight, the evidence for weight reduction in non-diabetic adults, and how it compares with other weight-loss drugs. If you are curious about using this medication for weight loss, read on to understand its benefits and risks.

Key Takeaways

  • Average weight loss with Jardiance varies, ranging from 3 to 12 lbs, according to studies.
  • Common side effects include increased urination, urinary tract infections, and genital yeast infections. Serious risks like dehydration and ketoacidosis are rare but require prompt medical attention.
  • People without diabetes should not use Jardiance solely to lose weight. The weight-loss effect is modest, and the risk of side effects may outweigh the benefits.
  • There are ways to save on Jardiance. If you have a prescription, you can get Jardiance for as little as $139 per month, and an additional 10% discount may be available.

How does Jardiance lower blood sugar?

Jardiance is the brand name for empagliflozin, a medication that blocks a protein in the kidneys called the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). Under normal circumstances, your kidneys filter glucose out of the blood and then reabsorb most of it.

By inhibiting the SGLT2 protein, empagliflozin stops the reabsorption of glucose, allowing it to pass into the urine. This mechanism lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the workload on the kidneys.

Approved uses and benefits beyond glucose control

Although weight loss may occur, Jardiance is primarily prescribed for the following reasons:

    • Type 2 diabetes: Jardiance is approved for adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose levels and improve HbA1c (a three-month average blood sugar measurement).
    • Heart failure: Large randomized trials found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure. Jardiance is therefore approved for people with heart failure regardless of whether they have diabetes.
    • Chronic kidney disease: Jardiance slows the progression of kidney disease and lowers the risk of kidney failure and hospitalization.

Many physicians prescribe Jardiance even to people without diabetes when they have heart failure or chronic kidney disease.

How does Jardiance cause weight loss?

Empagliflozin leads to modest weight loss through two main processes:

    • Caloric loss via glucose excretion – When sugar leaves the body through urine, calories go with it. This creates a mild calorie deficit, similar to cutting back on sugar in your diet.
    • Mild diuretic effect – The extra glucose in the urine pulls water with it, resulting in increased urination and a small loss of water weight.

Over time, some of the weight lost reflects reductions in fat mass. Studies using imaging showed decreases in total fat mass, including belly fat and visceral fat (fat around organs), after 24 weeks of empagliflozin therapy.

How much weight can you lose on Jardiance?

How much weight can you lose on Jardiance

In people with type 2 diabetes, Jardiance typically leads to modest weight loss. In one long-term study lasting 90 weeks, participants lost about 2.2 to 4.0 kg (4.9 to 8.8 lbs).

Shorter studies show similar trends, with about 3.7 lbs lost at 12 weeks and roughly 4.2 lbs at 24 weeks. Waist size also shrank slightly, by about half an inch.

In people without diabetes, the evidence is more limited.

A 2021 meta-analysis looking at SGLT2 inhibitors in non-diabetic adults with overweight or obesity found an average weight loss of about 1.42 kg (3.1 lbs) more than placebo. BMI dropped slightly, and waist circumference decreased by just over a centimeter. However, researchers rated the evidence as low quality, meaning confidence in the results is limited.

There is some emerging research combining empagliflozin with other medications.

In one small study, pairing empagliflozin with topiramate and calorie restriction led to nearly 9% weight loss over 12 weeks, compared with about 5% with diet alone.

Because the weight change is small and can vary from person to person, healthcare providers generally do not prescribe Jardiance solely for weight loss. Instead, they may recommend lifestyle changes or weight loss medicines specifically approved for obesity.

Will Jardiance suppress appetite?

Jardiance does not appear to work by suppressing appetite.

Researchers have looked at whether it changes appetite-related hormones to explain its weight effects. In one study, they measured:

    • PYY, a hormone that signals fullness
    • GLP-1, which also promotes satiety
    • Ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger

After 24 weeks, people taking empagliflozin alone lost about 2.22 kg (4.9 lbs). Those combining empagliflozin with a calorie-restricted diet lost 5.74 kg (12.6 lbs). However, there were no significant differences in hunger hormones between groups. Participants also reported similar levels of hunger.

The weight loss is likely due to calorie loss through urine, and not appetite suppression.

Jardiance vs. Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved to treat type 2 diabetes and used off-label for obesity. Ozempic works differently, slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite, leading to a more substantial calorie deficit. Jardiance primarily causes sugar and water excretion, so its effect on appetite is minimal. 

In a meta-analysis, semaglutide 1 mg resulted in about 4 to 5 lbs greater weight loss than empagliflozin, while 0.5 mg led to roughly 1 to 2 lbs more loss.

Jardiance vs. Metformin

Metformin, a first-line oral diabetes medication, helps with weight loss primarily by reducing appetite, lowering calorie intake, and improving insulin sensitivity. This typically leads to modest, long-term weight reduction.

One of the most studied trials on metformin and weight loss is the Diabetes Prevention Program and its long-term follow-up. On average, people who took metformin lost 2-3% of their body weight, while those on placebo stayed roughly the same.

About 29% of metformin users lost at least 5% of their starting weight after the first year, compared with 13% of those taking a placebo. Waist size also went down by about 2 cm (0.8 in).

After two years, those who stayed on the medication remained 3.5% below their starting weight, while less consistent users regained most of it. More importantly, no safety concerns were reported during the 10-year follow-up.

In a separate study, overweight and obese adults took metformin for six months at doses of up to 2,500 mg per day. By the end of the study, participants lost an average of 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs), which was roughly 5.6% of their body weight.

Jardiance coupons and discounts

Starts from $139

Save on Jardiance Today

Choose Pharma Giant for affordable medications and take control of your health with reliable, cost-effective options!

SAVE 10% with coupon code:

Common and serious side effects of Jardiance

Common side effects of Jardiance include:

    • Frequent urination and increased thirst, resulting from glucose and water leaving the body.
    • Urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections, particularly in women and uncircumcised men. Good hygiene and prompt treatment with antifungal or antibiotic medications can help.
    • Nausea or joint pain.

Serious side effects are uncommon but can include:

    • Dehydration, leading to dizziness and low blood pressure. Drinking adequate fluids and limiting diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol are important.
    • Diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in situations of illness, fasting, or when insulin doses are missed. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing, and require immediate medical attention.
    • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with other diabetes medicines such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Early signs include hunger, trembling, sweating, and confusion.
    • Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene), a rare but serious infection that needs urgent treatment.

If you experience any symptoms of dehydration, infection, severe abdominal pain, or allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, or throat), contact a healthcare professional right away.

Considering Jardiance for weight loss when you don’t have diabetes

While Jardiance may lead to modest weight loss, it is not a weight loss drug. The US prescribing information emphasizes that the medication is meant to lower blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular risks. Using it solely for weight loss could expose you to dehydration, genital infections, and other side effects without significant benefit.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before using any prescription medicine for off-label purposes. They can assess your health status, discuss safer weight-loss options, and help you create a comprehensive plan involving nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and, if appropriate, FDA-approved weight-loss medications.

Alternatives for non-diabetic weight management

Discuss these alternatives with your healthcare team to find a safe and effective approach tailored to your needs.

    • Lifestyle modifications – Balanced, high-fiber diets, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction remain the foundation of healthy weight loss.
    • Approved weight-loss medications – GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide), GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists (tirzepatide), phentermine/topiramate, or orlistat are options for people with obesity. They are more effective for weight reduction than SGLT2 inhibitors but carry their own side effects.
    • Bariatric surgery – In severe obesity, surgical interventions may offer substantial and durable weight loss.

Bottom line

Reported weight loss with Jardiance varies, generally falling between 3 and 12 lbs. Unlike GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, Jardiance does not suppress appetite. The small weight reduction seen with empagliflozin is mainly due to calorie loss through urinary glucose excretion and mild fluid loss.

If your goal is meaningful weight reduction, lifestyle changes and FDA-approved obesity treatments are usually more effective options. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the safest and most appropriate plan for your individual health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ozempic (semaglutide) generally produces greater weight loss. Ozempic works by reducing appetite, while Jardiance causes calorie loss through glucose excretion. In a 40-week trial, high-dose Ozempic resulted in an average reduction of about 15 lbs, whereas Jardiance typically leads to 5-9 lbs in some studies.

Jardiance is not approved for weight loss, and experts caution against using it solely for that purpose. A meta-analysis found that non-diabetic adults lost only about 1.42 kg (3.1 lbs) more than placebo, and the drug raises the risk of urinary and genital infections. Consult a healthcare provider for safer weight-management strategies.

Jardiance is not approved for weight loss, and experts caution against using it solely for that purpose. If prescribed, Jardiance should be taken once daily, and most clinicians recommend doing so in the morning to avoid nighttime trips to the bathroom. Swallow the tablet whole with or without food and at the same time each day.

Beyond lowering blood sugar, Jardiance reduces the risk of heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death, slows the progression of chronic kidney disease, and can lower blood pressure. Some weight loss may occur as a side effect, and the drug often reduces visceral fat.

Yes, but the loss is modest. Average weight loss is 2%-3% of body weight over 24 weeks, equivalent to about 4-6 lbs in a 200-lb person. Weight reduction varies by individual, and not everyone loses weight.

Frequent urination and genital or urinary tract infections are the most common side effects. These occur because sugar in the urine provides a growth environment for bacteria and yeast. Maintaining good hygiene and staying hydrated can help reduce the risk.

You’ll see a decrease in blood sugar and HbA1c levels. Blood sugar improvements can appear in the first four weeks, and HbA1c drops after about three months.

Limit alcohol and caffeine, as both can increase dehydration or cause low blood sugar. Avoid high-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates, which counteract glucose control. Discuss fluid restrictions with your doctor if you have heart failure or kidney disease.

Avoid supplements containing chromium unless your doctor recommends them because they may enhance blood-sugar-lowering effects and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Also, be cautious with garlic and green tea supplements, which can lower blood sugar further.

Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily and limit sugary or caffeinated beverages. If you have fluid restrictions due to heart or kidney conditions, ask your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Yes. Jardiance lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and has been shown to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalizations for heart failure. It also slows the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Jardiance can lower blood sugar on its own, but healthcare providers often prescribe it after metformin if additional glucose control is needed. It is also effective in people without diabetes who have heart failure or chronic kidney disease. Combining it with metformin may provide greater A1C reductions but increases the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia.

Taking both drugs can improve blood sugar control. It is safe to take them at the same time, and combination tablets (Synjardy) are available. However, the risk of low blood sugar and dehydration may be higher when they are combined.

Studies using imaging showed that empagliflozin reduces visceral fat and waist circumference in people with type 2 diabetes. This includes decreases in abdominal subcutaneous fat and visceral adipose tissue. While the reductions are modest, they may help improve metabolic health.

Downsides include increased urination, the risk of urinary and genital infections, dehydration, low blood pressure, and, rarely, ketoacidosis or serious infections. Weight loss is modest, and non-diabetics may not benefit significantly. Discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.

Yes. Jardiance blocks the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, which prevents glucose reabsorption and causes the sugar to be excreted in urine. This process not only lowers blood sugar but also leads to mild calorie and water loss.

Related Articles

Sources

Ferrannini, E., Berk, A., Hantel, S., Pinnetti, S., Hach, T., Woerle, H. J., & Broedl, U. C. (2013). Long-Term safety and efficacy of empagliflozin, sitagliptin, and metformin. Diabetes Care, 36(12), 4015–4021. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc13-0663

Neeland, I. J., McGuire, D. K., Chilton, R., Crowe, S., Lund, S. S., Woerle, H. J., Broedl, U. C., & Johansen, O. E. (2015). Empagliflozin reduces body weight and indices of adipose distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research, 13(2), 119–126. https://doi.org/10.1177/1479164115616901

Ribola FA, Cançado FB, Schoueri JH, De Toni VF, Medeiros VH, Feder D. Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jan;21(1):199-211. PMID: 28121337. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28121337/

Zheng, H., Liu, M., Li, S., Shi, Q., Zhang, S., Zhou, Y., & Su, N. (2021). Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors in Non-Diabetic Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, 706914. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.706914

Abiri, B., Ahmadi, A. R., Hosseinpanah, F., Valizadeh, A., Zarghi, A., & Valizadeh, M. (2024). Randomized study of the effects of empagliflozin and topiramate dual therapy on anthropometric and metabolic indices in non-diabetic individuals with overweight/obesity on a calorie-restricted diet. Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity, 29(1), 64. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-024-01692-2

Sargeant, J. A., King, J. A., Yates, T., Redman, E. L., Bodicoat, D. H., Chatterjee, S., Edwardson, C. L., Gray, L. J., Poulin, B., Waheed, G., Waller, H. L., Webb, D. R., Willis, S. A., Wilding, J. P. H., Khunti, K., Stensel, D. J., & Davies, M. J. (2022). The effects of empagliflozin, dietary energy restriction, or both on appetite?regulatory gut peptides in individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity: The SEESAW randomized, double?blind, placebo?controlled trial. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 24(8), 1509–1521. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14721

Kanters, S., Wilkinson, L., Vrazic, H., Sharma, R., Lopes, S., Popoff, E., & Druyts, E. (2019). Comparative efficacy of once-weekly semaglutide versus SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients inadequately controlled with one to two oral antidiabetic drugs: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 9(7), e023458. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023458

Group, D. P. P. R. (2012). Long-Term safety, tolerability, and weight loss associated with Metformin in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes study. Diabetes Care, 35(4), 731–737. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc11-1299

Seifarth, C., Schehler, B., & Schneider, H. (2012). Effectiveness of Metformin on Weight Loss in Non-Diabetic Individuals with Obesity. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes, 121(01), 27–31. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1327734

Frías, J. P., Auerbach, P., Bajaj, H. S., Fukushima, Y., Lingvay, I., Macura, S., Søndergaard, A. L., Tankova, T. I., Tentolouris, N., & Buse, J. B. (2021). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2·0 mg versus 1·0 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN FORTE): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3B trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 9(9), 563–574. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00174-1