How Rapid is Weight Loss with Farxiga?

When Farxiga is taken alone, at either the 5 mg or 10 mg dose, people lose an average of 6 pounds (2.73 kg) over 24 weeks (6 months).

This moderate weight loss was similar when Farxiga was taken with metformin, another common diabetes drug.

I should point out that the number I stated above is a rough estimate based on a number of clinical trials.

When we look deeper into individual trials, the weight loss and duration of the clinical trials vary.

I will discuss these trials below.

Before we do, we need to have a fundamental understanding of how Farxiga works.

Then, we can follow how the medication contributes to weight loss.

OK, let’s get started…

What is Farxiga?

Farxiga is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes.

Its generic name is dapagliflozin.

The medication belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

This drug helps your kidneys eliminate excess blood glucose, thus lowering blood sugar levels.

The video below, narrated by a Pharmacist, explains in great detail how Farxiga works in your body, its benefits, side effects, dosing, warnings, precautions, and monitoring:

How does Farxiga cause weight loss?

Historical Context

While Farxiga’s primary role revolves around diabetes management, the medical community started noticing its potential for weight loss since its entry into the drug market.

The initial discovery was more serendipitous than planned.

As we know, people with diabetes have excess blood sugar circulating in their system.

This extra blood glucose, if not removed or shuttled into the body’s cells where it belongs, is turned into fat.

Farxiga causes weight loss by directly addressing this problem – by removing the excess sugar from the body, less glucose can be converted to fat.

On average, SGLT2 inhibitors remove about 75 gm of blood sugar daily in the urine. This translates to a reduction of roughly 300 Calories daily! 

Next, let’s dive into the clinical trials that studied Farxiga’s effects on weight loss.

Studies on Weight Loss

Recent studies have consistently shown that patients using Farxiga, apart from managing their diabetes, often experience a moderate reduction in weight.

However, it’s crucial to understand that the magnitude of this weight loss can vary depending on individual factors (diet, lifestyle, genetic factors, other medications, etc.).

In 2012, a large 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study spanning 40 clinical sites in five countries found that people with type 2 diabetes lost an average of 4.6 pounds (2.08 kg).

Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported an average of 4.54 kg (10 pounds) weight loss over 102 weeks (25.5 months)  in 140 adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

In 2021, this systematic review and meta-analysis found that non-diabetic study participants lost an average of 3.1 pounds (1.42 kg) in six randomized clinical trials ranging between 2 and 26 weeks in study duration.

Farxiga side effects

Common side effects

Like all medications, Farxiga isn’t without side effects.

Some women may experience genital fungal infections, while everyone may experience urinary tract infections and nasopharyngitis.

Because water follows sugar, Farxiga may increase urination.

Dehydration can also result due to the increased urine output.

This can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and serious falls and injuries.

Farxiga may cause low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.

Older adults should especially pay attention to the dangers of dehydration and hypoglycemia due to blunted bodily response.

This is because their bodies lose the ability to produce the typical warning signs due to biophysical changes that occur with aging.

I discuss these changes in my course and my post, Hyperglycemia vs Hypoglycemia.

Serious side effects

In rare cases, Farxiga might lead to more severe issues like ketoacidosis, kidney problems, or serious urinary tract infections.

Ketoacidosis can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with urgent medical care.

Symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing

It’s vital always to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any concerns.

Proper Dosage and Administration

Farxiga dosing

The starting dose of Farxiga is 5 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food.

If additional blood sugar control is needed and you tolerate it well, the dose can be increased to 10 mg once daily.

Always take the medication at the same time every day.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but never double-dose.

Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations

Foods to Favor

While on Farxiga, it’s beneficial to maintain a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Exercises to Engage

Regular physical activity can enhance the drug’s efficacy. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily is recommended.

My top recommendations for clean weight loss

This article has affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no additional expense to you. Your support is appreciated to keep this website going.

Dietary fiber keeps you full and is low in calorie count, especially when combined with a sensible low-calorie diet.

My go-to choice is Supergut’s Vegetable and Fruit Fiber Prebiotic Mix.

Their “Add-To-Anything Prebiotic Fiber Mix is incredibly effective, as seen in the customer reviews below:

This easy-to-use unflavored powder made with unripened green bananas, oat beta-glucan, resistance potato starch, and soluble vegetable fiber comes in small sachets you can carry in your bag or purse.

Here are some important highlights:

• 8g of fiber.
• 1g net carbs.
• 0g sugar.
• 15 calories.
• Can be easily mixed into coffee, oatmeal, soup, or anything you’d like!

Each serving costs $1.75 at the time of this writing.

Click the image below to learn more and purchase directly from the official company website.

As reported in this meta-analysis of thirteen clinical trials, your body easily and quickly absorbs MCT oil and increases your metabolism.

I am especially proud to partner with Bubs Naturals, a supplement company created in honor of fallen Navy Seal Glen “Bub” Doherty, who gave his life defending his brothers in Benghazi, Libya, on September 12, 2012.

If interested, you can purchase their MCT oil directly from their official website by clicking here.

At the time of this writing, each serving costs $1.23.

FAQs

How rapid is weight loss with Farxiga?

It varies from person to person, but many individuals report moderate weight loss over several months.

Is Farxiga safe for non-diabetic individuals?

It’s essential only to take Farxiga upon a doctor’s recommendation, typically for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

That said, Farxiga is prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Can I solely rely on Farxiga for weight loss?

No, Farxiga should be part of a broader health strategy, including diet, exercise, and other medications as prescribed.

Should I alter my diet while on Farxiga?

Maintaining a balanced diet is always beneficial. Specific dietary considerations can be discussed with a nutritionist or doctor.

Conclusion

While the primary focus of Farxiga is diabetes management, its potential for aiding moderate weight loss is noteworthy.

However, as with all medications, individual responses may vary.

It’s imperative to consult with healthcare professionals and consider personal circumstances when evaluating its efficacy.