Can Taking Diuretics Cause Weight Loss?

The truth is, diuretics only cause you to lose water weight, and that weight loss won't last. More importantly, using diuretics in this way can lead to dehydration as well as side effects. Never take prescription diuretics without your doctor's guidance.

Do diuretics make you lose weight?

When people are looking to lose weight to be healthier – to treat their diabetes or high blood pressure or cholesterol, water pills aren't going to affect any of those things. It's not true weight loss, and its effects are temporary.” Myth: Water pills won't interact with other medications.

What is a common side effect of diuretics?

Side effects include increased urination and sodium loss. Diuretics can also affect blood potassium levels. If you take a thiazide diuretic, your potassium level can drop too low (hypokalemia), which can cause life-threatening problems with your heartbeat.