Jardiance (empagliflozin) belongs to a group of medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors. It helps adults with type 2 diabetes keep blood sugar under better control by making the kidneys remove extra glucose through urine. Many people also notice their body weight decreases while taking it, even when they do not actively try to lose weight.
This weight reduction happens because calories leave the body every day in the form of sugar that would otherwise stay inside. On average, patients lose 2–4 kilograms (4–9 pounds) over several months, though individual results differ based on starting weight, diet, activity level, and dose. The effect is usually modest compared to medications designed specifically for obesity.
Doctors do not prescribe Jardiance mainly for weight loss. Its primary job is glycemic control and lowering the risk of heart failure or cardiovascular death in people with type 2 diabetes. Still, the consistent weight drop many experience often improves overall health markers and quality of life. This article explains exactly how and why the weight change occurs, what influences the amount, and what patients should realistically expect.
Related: Jardiance Side Effects in Males
How Jardiance Leads to Weight Loss
Jardiance blocks a protein called SGLT2 in the proximal tubules of the kidneys. Normally this protein reabsorbs about 90% of filtered glucose back into the bloodstream. When blocked, roughly 50–100 grams of glucose (200–400 calories) pass into urine every day instead of returning to circulation.
The daily calorie loss adds up over weeks and months. Most of the weight reduction comes from fat stores rather than muscle or water, especially when patients follow a balanced eating pattern. Studies show the majority of lost weight is adipose tissue.
Initial weight change often includes some fluid loss because glucose in urine pulls water with it (osmotic diuresis). After the first 1–2 weeks this water component stabilizes, and ongoing loss shifts toward fat. The process feels gradual for most people.
Average Weight Loss Seen in Studies
Clinical trials that led to Jardiance approval reported average weight reductions of 2–3 kg (4–7 lb) over 24–52 weeks at the standard 10 mg or 25 mg doses. The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, which focused on heart outcomes, showed similar modest but consistent loss.
Real-world data from patient registries and post-marketing studies often report slightly higher averages—around 3–5 kg (7–11 lb) over 6–12 months—when lifestyle changes accompany the medication. Patients with higher starting body weight or higher baseline A1C tend to lose more.
Weight loss plateaus for many after 6–12 months unless calorie intake stays reduced or physical activity increases. The effect is dose-dependent: 25 mg usually produces 0.5–1 kg more loss than 10 mg over the same period.
Factors That Influence How Much Weight You Lose
Starting body weight matters a great deal. People with obesity (BMI ≥30) typically lose more absolute kilograms than those closer to normal weight. Higher baseline A1C also predicts greater loss because better glucose control reduces calorie retention.
Diet quality and calorie balance play a central role. Patients who naturally eat fewer carbohydrates or smaller portions see amplified effects because less glucose is available for reabsorption. Those who compensate by eating more calorie-dense foods lose less.
Physical activity level affects the outcome. Regular walking, resistance training, or other movement burns additional calories and helps preserve lean mass. Sedentary individuals lose mostly fat but may lose some muscle if protein intake stays low.
Factors That Increase Weight Loss on Jardiance:
- Higher starting BMI or body weight
- Elevated baseline A1C
- Lower carbohydrate intake
- Consistent moderate exercise
- Higher dose (25 mg vs 10 mg)
Side Effects That Can Indirectly Affect Weight
Increased urination removes water and sodium, causing an early 1–2 kg drop that is mostly fluid. This initial decrease motivates many patients but does not reflect true fat loss. Replenishing fluids restores the water weight.
Dehydration from excessive urination sometimes reduces appetite further or causes fatigue that limits activity. Both can slow ongoing weight loss. Drinking enough water and adding electrolytes prevents this cycle.
Genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections occur more often because sugar in urine promotes microbial growth. Discomfort can reduce physical activity or alter eating patterns, indirectly slowing weight progress.
Common Side Effects That Influence Weight:
- Increased urination (early fluid loss)
- Mild dehydration (fatigue, reduced activity)
- Genital or urinary infections (discomfort)
- Low blood pressure (dizziness on standing)
Comparison of Weight Loss Across SGLT2 Inhibitors
| Medication | Average Weight Loss (1 year) | Primary Approved Use | Additional Heart/Kidney Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jardiance (empagliflozin) | 2–4 kg | Type 2 diabetes | Strong (heart failure, CV death) |
| Farxiga (dapagliflozin) | 2–4 kg | Type 2 diabetes, heart failure | Strong (heart failure, CKD) |
| Invokana (canagliflozin) | 2–5 kg | Type 2 diabetes | Moderate (CV benefit) |
This table shows Jardiance performs similarly to other drugs in the class for weight loss.
Lifestyle Habits That Maximize Weight Loss
Eat enough protein (1.2–1.6 g per kg ideal body weight) to preserve muscle mass during calorie loss. Protein also increases satiety, helping patients naturally eat fewer calories without feeling deprived. Sources include lean meat, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, and legumes.
Add moderate aerobic exercise most days—brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for 30–45 minutes. This burns extra calories and improves insulin sensitivity, amplifying Jardiance’s glucose-lowering effect. Strength training twice weekly maintains muscle and supports metabolism.
Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks. These foods cause rapid blood sugar rises that trigger hunger later. Whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats stabilize energy and appetite.
Daily Habits That Support Weight Loss on Jardiance:
- Drink 2–3 liters of water daily
- Include protein in every meal
- Walk 30 minutes after main meals
- Limit added sugars and processed carbs
- Track weight weekly, not daily
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Expectations
Weigh yourself once a week at the same time of day, preferably morning after using the bathroom but before eating. Daily fluctuations from water, food, and bowel movements can mislead. Focus on the weekly trend.
Measure waist circumference monthly. Abdominal fat reduction improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk more than total body weight alone. Tape measurements often show progress even when the scale slows.
Track blood sugar, A1C, and blood pressure regularly. These markers frequently improve before large weight changes appear. Positive lab trends motivate continued adherence.
When Weight Loss Slows or Stops
Plateaus happen after 6–12 months for most patients. The body adapts to lower calorie intake and becomes more efficient at using energy. Small adjustments—reducing portion sizes slightly, adding intensity to exercise, or reviewing hidden calories—often restart progress.
Some people reach a healthy weight and need to shift focus to maintenance. Stopping Jardiance without lifestyle changes usually leads to regain. Gradual dose reduction under medical supervision helps many transition.
Rarely, weight gain occurs if appetite returns strongly or another medication (steroids, antidepressants) is added. Addressing the new factor usually resolves the issue.
Conclusion
Jardiance reliably causes modest but clinically meaningful weight loss in most adults with type 2 diabetes through daily urinary glucose excretion, with average reductions of 2–4 kg (4–9 lb) over 6–12 months and sometimes more when combined with healthy eating and regular movement. The effect is not dramatic like some obesity-specific medications, but it occurs without requiring major extra effort from the patient because appetite naturally decreases. By focusing on protein intake, consistent hydration, moderate exercise, and realistic expectations, users can maximize this secondary benefit while gaining the primary advantages of better blood sugar control and lower cardiovascular risk. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider ensures the medication remains safe and effective long-term.
FAQ
How much weight can I expect to lose on Jardiance?
Most adults lose 2–4 kg (4–9 lb) over 6–12 months in clinical trials. Some lose more (up to 6–8 kg) when they follow a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly. Individual results vary based on starting weight and lifestyle.
Does Jardiance cause weight loss in everyone?
No, weight loss is not guaranteed. People who do not reduce calorie intake or who have very low baseline weight may see little or no change. The average loss is modest compared with medications designed specifically for obesity.
Why does Jardiance make you lose weight?
It blocks glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, so 50–100 grams of sugar (200–400 calories) leave the body daily in urine. Lower appetite from GLP-1-like effects also reduces overall calorie intake. The combination drives gradual fat loss.
Will I regain weight if I stop Jardiance?
Yes, most people regain some or all of the lost weight after stopping unless they maintain the lower calorie intake and activity level that developed during treatment. Gradual tapering with lifestyle support helps many keep the results longer.
Is the weight loss from Jardiance mostly water or fat?
Initial loss (first 1–2 weeks) includes some water weight due to osmotic diuresis. After that, the majority of ongoing loss comes from fat stores. Studies using body composition scans confirm fat accounts for most of the reduction.
Can Jardiance help me lose weight if I don’t have diabetes?
Jardiance is approved only for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Using it solely for weight loss is off-label and may not be covered by insurance. Other SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 drugs have formal weight-loss approvals.
Does Jardiance affect muscle mass during weight loss?
Jardiance does not directly cause muscle loss. However, large calorie deficits without enough protein or resistance exercise can lead to some muscle reduction. Eating adequate protein and lifting weights helps preserve lean mass.
How long does it take to see weight loss on Jardiance?
Some fluid loss occurs within the first 1–2 weeks. True fat loss becomes noticeable after 4–12 weeks and continues steadily for 6–18 months in most patients. Results slow after the first year unless diet and activity remain optimized.
Dr. Usman is a medical content reviewer with 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic health topics. His work is based on trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Usman is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.