Nocebo Explains Statin Weakness Claims

Randomized‑trial evidence (notably the STOMP trial) shows no meaningful loss of muscular strength from high‑dose atorvastatin over six months; reported weakness and worse gym performance are plausibly driven by expectation and selective reporting rather than a physiological decline. Creatine kinase and objective strength measures did not track a consistent statin‑related functional deficit. — If weakness reports are largely nocebo, better communication and trial‑informed messaging could reduce unnecessary statin discontinuation and improve cardiovascular outcomes.