WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG?
↑ 6.6 to 11 pounds in 10 years compared to people not taking statin (60)
Atorvastatin is a statin drug and statins reduce production of leptin by human white fat cells (adiposites). Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that reduces hunger and signals us that we are full and to quit eating. Leptin is an important satiety factor. Leptin acts on cells in the hypothalamus of the brain to reduce hunger. Fat cells are the main source of circulating leptin, but leptin is also produced in the cells of the small intestine. Statin-dependent decreases in leptin appear to contribue, at least in part, to increases in food intake in statin users. (1024, 2019)
People who take statin drugs eat more food than people with matched health conditions who do not take a statin. (60)
Statin therapy slows metabolism in cells because cells have less energy (ATP) available (945) and this may reduce overall metabolic rate of the body. Statins can reduce exercise tolerance and may lead to more sedentary lifestyle and thus may additionally contribute to weight gain. Gaining 10 pounds in 10 years (60) may not seem like much, but statin drugs may be taken for 20 to 40 years and more. 20 pounds gained in 20 years, or 40 pounds in 40 years, is medically significant weight gain predisposing a person to diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, asthma, and can be a game changer for a person active in sports. We risk changing our quality of life when we gain weight.

Generic Name: Atorvastatin