Farxiga for weight loss

Farxiga belongs to a class of medications called SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors. It was the first drug in the class and is still the only SGLT2 available. 

Farxiga works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, which causes excess sugar to be passed out of your body through urine. There’s then less glucose in your body that can be turned into fat cells. This process can also cause a calorie deficit, where you’re using more calories than you’re taking in, which may result in losing weight. 

Farxiga can also cause changes to your metabolism that contribute to weight loss. Clinical studies report that it can help the body process and burn stored fat, turning it into energy. A review of studies in 2019 found that people taking an SGLT2 inhibitor experienced an average weight loss of about 5 to 7 pounds after 6 months.

Farxiga and generic dapagliflozin are available in 5- and 10-milligram tablets taken orally. You should take your tablet at the same time each day, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Don’t take 2 doses at once.

The starting dose is typically 5 milligrams, taken once a day. If your doctor determines that a higher dose would be better for glycemic control, they can increase your daily dose to 10 milligrams.

Farxiga offers a unique mechanism of action as an SGLT2 inhibitor that’s different from other weight-loss medications. 

Metformin is another oral drug often prescribed for blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Like Farxiga, it reduces insulin levels, but metformin does this by reducing glucose production in the liver. In a large clinical trial, people taking metformin lost at least 5% of their body weight in 1 year compared to a loss of 2 to 3% for those taking Farxiga. 

Contrave (naltrexone HCL/bupropion HCL) is FDA-approved for weight loss. Its 2 main ingredients, bupropion and naltrexone, are thought to change the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce appetite while also having a positive effect on metabolism. In clinical trials, people who took Contrave for weight loss lost 5% to 10% of their starting body weight in about 56 weeks. 

Another similar FDA-approved drug for weight loss, Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER) is also effective at both suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism, leading to the potential for more weight loss than Farxiga. In a clinical trial, participants taking Qysmia lost 5 to 10% of their initial body weight in 56 weeks.

Phentermine is a central nervous stimulant that can stimulate feelings of fullness by increasing the levels of brain chemicals. Phentermine is FDA-approved for weight loss over 3 months, while Farxiga isn’t. According to a retrospective study, Phentermine can produce moderate weight loss — at least 3% of a person’s starting weight in 12 weeks. 

Saxenda (liraglutide), a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonist and daily injection, produces similar results to Contrave and Qsymia, a loss of 5 to 10% in 56 weeks. 

Other weight loss medications, such Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), often produce better results. They’re taken as weekly injections and not as oral pills. In clinical trials,  individuals taking semaglutide lost 14.9% of their starting body weight in 68 weeks. Those taking a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual agonist, like Zepbound, lost up to 20.9% of their body weight in 52 weeks. 

Metformin isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss but may be prescribed off-label for this purpose, particularly in individuals with obesity or overweight and related health conditions like type 2 diabetes. 

Wegovy, Zepbound, phentermine, Saxenda, Contrave, and Qsymia are FDA-approved for weight loss or weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related health problem, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Common side effects across these medications may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, and dry mouth, though the specific side effects vary by medication.

The best way to find out which weight loss medication is best for you is to talk to a weight loss provider.