From the Guidelines
Januvia (sitagliptin) is considered weight-neutral and does not typically cause weight loss. This medication works by increasing incretin levels, which help regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release when blood sugar is high and reducing glucagon secretion. According to the most recent guidelines, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, are considered weight-neutral 1. Unlike some diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas that can cause weight gain, or GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic or Wegovy) that often lead to weight loss, Januvia maintains a neutral effect on weight for most patients.
The key points to consider when evaluating the effect of Januvia on weight are:
- Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, which is a class of medications known to be weight-neutral 1
- Other medication classes, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and metformin, are associated with weight loss, but Januvia is not 1
- The standard dose of Januvia is 100 mg once daily, which can be taken with or without food, but this should be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on kidney function. This weight-neutral profile makes Januvia a suitable option for people with type 2 diabetes who are concerned about weight gain but should not be selected specifically for weight loss purposes. If weight loss is a treatment goal along with blood sugar control, other medication classes might be more appropriate.