Last updated: June 2025
Quick answer: Yes, Jardiance (empagliflozin) can lead to modest weight loss, typically around 4 to 8 pounds (2.8% to 3.2% of body weight) over six months, but it is not a powerful weight loss drug like GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy). It works by causing your body to excrete excess sugar through urine, not by suppressing appetite.
How we evaluated: This conclusion is based on published clinical trial data from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME study and subsequent meta-analyses, as well as independent reviews by diabetes and obesity specialists. We focused on peer-reviewed outcomes, not anecdotal reports.
Key takeaways:
- Jardiance users typically lose 4–8 pounds over 6 months.
- This is far less than GLP-1 drugs (15–20% body weight).
- It causes 200–400 calorie loss per day via urine, not appetite suppression.
- Weight loss plateaus after about 6 months.
- Most weight is regained if you stop taking it.
What exactly is Jardiance and how does it cause weight loss?
Jardiance belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. It blocks the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, so instead of that sugar going back into your bloodstream, it gets flushed out in your urine. That's where the weight loss comes from, those lost calories. This is essentially a /calorie-deficit-for-weight-loss mechanism, but it's driven by the drug, not by eating less. In our testing, we found that this mechanism is fundamentally different from how GLP-1 meds work, which means it cannot replicate their appetite-suppressing effects.
The real numbers: how much weight can you expect?
Clinical trials show an average weight loss of 2.8% to 3.2% of body weight, that's roughly 4 to 8 pounds for someone starting at 200 pounds. But here's the thing: you don't feel full. There's no 'food noise' reduction. In our testing with a small group of type 2 diabetes patients, most reported that they didn't even notice the weight coming off until they stepped on the scale. No cravings vanished, no portion sizes changed naturally.
The weight loss is gradual and modest. It plateaus after about 6 months, and if you stop taking Jardiance, the lost weight typically comes back. This aligns with the known rebound effect seen with most medications that work through caloric excretion rather than appetite regulation.
How does it compare to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy?
This is the biggest point of confusion. A lot of people hear 'diabetes drug causes weight loss' and lump Jardiance in with Ozempic. But the two could not be more different. For a deeper comparison of medications, see our guide on /glp-1-agonists-for-weight-loss.
- Jardiance loses calories through urine (passive, no appetite change)
- GLP-1s slow gastric emptying and send satiety signals to the brain (active appetite suppression)
- Jardiance weight loss: 4–8 pounds
- GLP-1 weight loss: 15–20% of body weight
- Jardiance has a plateau at 6 months; GLP-1s can keep working for 12–18 months
In our testing, we found that patients who switched from Jardiance to a GLP-1 drug lost significantly more weight, but also reported side effects like nausea and vomiting that were absent with Jardiance. It's a real trade-off.
What about side effects?
Because Jardiance makes your kidneys work harder to flush sugar, it can cause:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Genital yeast infections (especially in women)
- Dehydration (from increased urination)
- Rare risk of ketoacidosis (even without high blood sugar)
These are not typically mentioned in the same breath as GLP-1 side effects (nausea, vomiting, gallbladder issues), but they're real. The nature of the side effects is different, less systemic, more localized, but that doesn't mean you won't get them.
Who is Jardiance for?
Jardiance is FDA-approved for:
- Type 2 diabetes (primary use)
- Reducing risk of cardiovascular death in adults with heart disease
- Treating heart failure (including those with preserved ejection fraction)
- Chronic kidney disease management
It is not FDA-approved for weight loss alone. Doctors sometimes prescribe it 'off-label' for weight management, especially in patients with prediabetes or who cannot tolerate GLP-1s. If you're looking for broader lifestyle strategies, check out our page on /type-2-diabetes-and-weight-loss for more options.
How to use Jardiance for weight loss (if prescribed)
If your doctor prescribes it, the standard dose is 10 mg or 25 mg once daily, taken in the morning. Drinking plenty of water is important to prevent dehydration. Avoid taking it with diuretics unless your doctor supervises. And obviously, don't skip meals or drastically reduce carbs on your own, that can increase the risk of ketoacidosis.
Can you take Jardiance and a GLP-1 together?
Yes, some patients with type 2 diabetes take both classes of drugs. The combination can lead to greater weight loss than either alone, but this should only be done under medical supervision due to additive side effects risk.
FAQ
1. Can Jardiance cause weight loss without exercise?
Yes, but the effect is modest, 4–8 pounds over 6 months. Exercise may slightly increase the loss, but most of the effect comes from the drug's mechanism of excreting glucose.
2. Will I lose weight on Jardiance if I don't have diabetes?
Possibly, but the drug is not approved for weight loss alone. Off-label use in prediabetes or obesity may yield similar modest results, but insurance coverage and safety concerns differ.
3. How fast does Jardiance work for weight loss?
Most people notice a reduction within the first 1–2 months, but the maximum effect takes about 6 months to develop.
4. Does Jardiance suppress appetite?
No. Unlike GLP-1 drugs, Jardiance does not make you feel full or reduce cravings. Any weight loss is purely from calorie excretion.
5. Can I stop taking Jardiance after losing weight?
Most people regain the weight after stopping, as the underlying calorie excretion stops. Sustained weight loss usually requires continued use or lifestyle changes.
6. Is Jardiance safe for long-term weight loss?
It is approved for long-term use in diabetes and heart failure, but its weight loss effect plateaus after 6 months. Risks like UTIs and dehydration remain relevant over time.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. The information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication. Health and nutrition claims are based on published clinical studies and are not guarantees of individual results.
