Doctors prescribe the medication metformin primarily to patients with type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, metformin has also been shown to aid in weight loss.
Typically, the results are modest during the first two months. According to studies, early-stage weight loss can range from 2 to 5%, depending on a person’s diet, level of activity, and medication.
In one study, for instance, participants who took metformin lost an average of 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) during the first 8–12 weeks, according to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). People with a higher BMI (above 35) are more likely to lose weight with metformin than those with a lower BMI. Thus, although it is not a “quick fix,” metformin can contribute to safe and consistent weight loss.
Does metformin make you lose weight?
People with type 2 diabetes often take metformin. A lot of people want to know if it can also help them lose weight.
- Studies show that people can lose between 4 and 9 pounds (2 and 4 kg) over the course of a few months.
- It’s not a magic pill that makes you lose weight right away, but it does help.
Metformin is not a “weight loss pill,” but some people do lose a little weight while taking it.
Decreased Appetite
One way that metformin may help you lose weight is by making you less hungry. You eat less food when you don’t feel as hungry. Some metformin users report desiring sugary and calorie-dense foods less, making it easier for them to eat well.
- Research suggests that metformin may change the way the brain and gut hormones respond to food, leading to faster sensations of fullness.
- Many metformin users have often noted a decrease in cravings for sweets and snacks.
Weight loss long-term
In general, metformin does not cause significant or rapid weight loss. The changes, on the other hand, are slow and steady. Researchers say that people could lose between 5 and 10 pounds over a few months.
- Metformin helps you lose weight slowly, unlike fad diets that make you lose weight quickly (and then gain it back).
- Some studies found that people who took metformin kept the weight off for up to 10 years.
The most important thing to remember is that metformin works best when you eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
Will my doctor give me metformin to help me lose weight?
Most of the time, doctors give metformin to people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Doctors may also use it to treat other conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can make it harder to keep your weight in check.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes
- PCOS
Your doctor will first look at your health history, weight issues, and overall needs if you want metformin mainly to lose weight.
How much should you take to lose weight?
Everyone needs a different amount of metformin. To avoid side effects, doctors usually start with a small amount and then slowly raise it if they need to. A common starting dose is 500 mg once or twice a day.
This dose may be changed based on how your body reacts. The dose depends on your health, but here’s what’s common:
- Starting dose: 500 mg once or twice a day
- The usual dose range 1,500 mg – 2,000 mg daily
- Always taken with food to reduce stomach upset
What Are the Side Effects of Metformin?
These side effects usually appear when you first start taking the medicine and may improve over time. Taking metformin with food often helps reduce stomach issues. Like all medicines, metformin can cause side effects. The most common ones include:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
There is also a very rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis, which can be dangerous. This is why it’s important to take metformin exactly as your doctor prescribes and not in higher amounts.
What if I’m Concerned About Losing Too Much Weight?
People react differently to metformin. Some people lose weight, some stay the same weight, and some may even weigh a little more. Some factors include:
- Too much medication
- Other health conditions
- Unintentional calorie deficit
If you feel that your weight loss on it is too much or erratic, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. In addition to determining whether the medication is helping you, your doctor might recommend other safe weight-management strategies.
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In conclusion
The majority of individuals will notice slight but evident weight changes that day that are attributed to the introduction of metformin into their pharmacy after about two months.
These slight changes will typically measure between 4 and 10 pounds (2 to 5 kg). The medication reduces hunger, enhances the body’s utilization of sugar, and even modifies gut flora to promote weight management.
Individual results, however, will vary. Some people may see changes more slowly, whereas others may see things progress faster. Long-term use of metformin is highly effective; research shows that patients can lose and maintain 5-10% of body weight in one year or more.
