Metformin has two advantages over other diabetes drugs: There's less risk of your blood sugar level falling too low. It doesn't cause weight gain.
Current evidence suggests that the weight change associated with metformin is more likely to be due to decreased caloric intake versus increases in energy expenditure. Metformin appears to impact appetite regulation both directly and indirectly due to its gastrointestinal side effects.
Even though metformin may lead to some weight loss, the amount you lose may be far less than expected. On average, weight loss after one year on the drug is only six pounds, according to past research.
As much as possible, avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snacks like chips or crackers. Eating foods that can spike your blood sugar will not necessarily make the metformin not work, however, it will increase the burden it has to work against.
Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.
Metformin is a generic and accessible drug that significantly lowers blood glucose, but it is not a weight loss drug. Metformin is a generic and accessible drug that significantly lowers blood glucose, but it is not a weight loss drug.
Is metformin safe? Recent research has also demonstrated that a low dose of metformin (1000-1500mg/day) can promote weight loss in non-diabetic individuals.
The use of metformin by non-diabetics stems from some evidence that metformin can decrease inflammation, protect against cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment, minimize cancer risk and progression, and prolong life.
Considering all factors, metformin can cause a modest amount of weight reduction in those who take the medication regularly, although average weight loss is only between 4-7 pounds per year.
How Fast Will You Lose Weight on Metformin? Based on the above studies, any weight loss with metformin appears to occur over the course of about 6 to 12 months. But people may see some results earlier.
Other Common Side Effects
While GI upset is by far the most common side effect, metformin can also cause: Altered taste, especially a metallic one. Weakness or fatigue.
A medical provider can run a few tests to see how metformin is affecting your health: Blood work can check if your glucose, insulin, and HbA1C levels are in range. If they are, the medication is working.
The average weight loss in the group that received metformin was 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs) ±7 kg (± 15 lbs). Untreated controls gained 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs) ± 3.5 kg (± 7.7 lbs) on average. Patients with severe insulin resistance lost significantly more weight as compared to insulin sensitive patients.
Metformin dosage for weight loss
Divided doses should be taken with meals, typically twice per day (for example, with breakfast and dinner). The maximum dose is 2550 mg/day.
If you eat a lot of sugar while taking Metformin, your body will have to work harder to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, and the Metformin will not be as effective for weight loss. However, if it happens infrequently, you should not suffer too many negative side effects. The key is moderation.
The administration of metformin, as glucophage retard, at bedtime instead of supper time may improve diabetes control by reducing morning hyperglycemia.
In line with the results of energy metabolism, animal studies showed that the administration of metformin led to a reduction of body fat independent of its anorexigenic effects.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
How long to take it for. Treatment for diabetes is usually for life. But if your kidneys are not working properly, your doctor will tell you to stop taking metformin and switch you to a different medicine. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor.
Physiologically, metformin acts directly or indirectly on the liver to lower glucose production, and acts on the gut to increase glucose utilisation, increase GLP-1 and alter the microbiome.
Some simple and refined carbohydrates
Metformin helps limit blood glucose levels. Simple and refined carbs boost those blood sugar levels, which can increase weight gain and cause metformin not to work as well as it should.
Is it safe to have coffee while consuming Metformin? Caffeine gets broken down by the body to remove it. Metformin may reduce how rapidly the body breaks down caffeine. Metformin when consumed in combination with caffeine can enhance the effects and side effects of caffeine.