Weight gain on statins

[72sheep]

Has anyone gained weight whilst taking Atrovastatin? I started taking it 2 months ago, have been trying to lose weight for the last 6 months but now I've put on 5 lbs and can't shift it. It's a minor issue compared to others I see on here, but I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle. I'd appreciate any feedback.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Weight gain is not a documentrd side effect of statins. Are you on any other medication. A lot of people have gained during lockdown because of changes to routine.

[72sheep in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you Michael, you may be right. My sister was on end of life care and has since died, hence the delay in my reply. I guess I've been comfort eating.

Many thanks

Carol

[gilreid1]

Hi I have gained 6kg in six months not sure if it is the statin or other meds. This is despite walking and exercising more than before my operation. The lockdown has had no affect so I can’t blame that. My diet has not change other than I feel I am eating less than before. My age 62 weight now 86kg my height 5’ 8”. Intend to talk with GP when the corona is more relaxed

[72sheep in reply to gilreid1]

Thanks, sounds a bit like me. I've decided to write down what I eat and see if that helps. Good luck with your GP.

Carol

[Chappychap]

I take the same statins as you and have LOST nearly two stones.

The explanation?

A healthy Mediterranean diet, cutting out processed and starchy foods, absolutely no snacking between meals, and sticking to the NHS and BHF recommendation of at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.

The most astonishing thing I've discovered about weight loss is the extent to which almost all of us deceive ourselves about what we eat and what exercise we take. Write it all down, I mean every single gramme and mouthful.

If you're both honest and accurate I'll bet a pound to a penny you'll quickly discover an explanation that has nothing to do with statins.

Good luck!

[Heythrop51 in reply to Chappychap]

Totally agree. Last year I was overweight with raised cholesterol and HbA1c (pre-diabetic). After being prescribed a statin and BP medication I joined this site. I then went onto a carb limited Mediterranean diet. Nowadays, my weight and all my numbers are in range.

[72sheep in reply to Heythrop51]

This really helps to motivate me.

Many thanks

Carol

[72sheep in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you, I've decided to do that, surprising what you forget, so writing it down helps. Congrats on losing weight. I've been under a lot of stress as my sister died recently, so comfort eating may have been the problem.

Thank you for your advice

Regards

Carol