Less than you might expect. A research review found that most people lost more weight than those who took a placebo (14). But weight loss results on metformin vary. One long term study published in 2019 found that 28.5% of those taking metformin lost about 5% or less of their body weight during the first year.
Metformin, an oral type 2 diabetes medicine, may lead to a modest weight loss and does not usually lead to significant, if any, weight gain. In various clinical studies, when metformin was used alone, it led to a weight loss of 0.7 to 3.8 kg (1.5 to 8.4 lbs) in patients.
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.
Metformin and weight loss
In a much larger trial in over 4,000 people with type 2 diabetes, it was found metformin use was associated with a 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs) weight loss over a four-year period. There are a few ways that metformin might impact weight. One is that the medication can reduce your appetite.
Dosage. Because metformin is not a weight loss medication, there is no specific dose for weight loss. People with type 2 diabetes typically start taking metformin 500 mg twice daily. If this dose doesn't help control blood sugar, your health provider may increase the dose to a maximum of 2550 mg daily.
found a 2.8 kg greater decrease in weight over a 1-month period during a hypocaloric diet with metformin over placebo [12]. Glueck et al. examined 31 nondiabetic obese subjects on 2.55 g of metformin a day and found a statistically significant average weight loss of 13 lbs. over 28 weeks [13].
One long term study published in 2019 found that 28.5% of those taking metformin lost about 5% or less of their body weight during the first year. And those who lost weight on metformin during the first year had the greatest success with weight loss during years 6-15 (15).
Thus, metformin is capable of accelerating the oxidation of fat in the liver, thereby leading to a decrease of visceral fat or body weight.
Gut health: Research shows that people living with obesity may have fewer short-chain fatty acids in the gut. These acids have a protective effect on many aspects of health, including weight. Metformin increases the production of short-chain fatty acids, which may contribute to weight loss.
Metformin improves how your muscles use insulin making this process much more efficient. This is called insulin sensitivity. Metformin starts working 2 days after taking it and you will see your blood glucose (sugar) drop 4-5 days later.
Someone who is nondiabetic might notice decreases in inflammation, anti-aging benefits, and some weight loss, says Acebedo.
Metformin alone (Glumetza®): At first, 500 mg once a day taken with the evening meal. Then, your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.
It can also contribute to modest weight loss. On average, people with diabetes lose about 4 lbs to 6 lbs while taking metformin. However, it isn't approved or widely recommended to be used as a weight loss pill. There are a few reasons that people can lose weight while taking metformin.
Long-term side effects
Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood. If your vitamin B12 levels become too low, vitamin B12 supplements will help.
How to check if metformin is working. 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.
Recent research has also demonstrated that a low dose of metformin (1000-1500mg/day) can promote weight loss in non-diabetic individuals. ¹¹ If you experience any side effects, you should consult your healthcare professional to discuss whether metformin is right for you.
The administration of metformin, as glucophage retard, at bedtime instead of supper time may improve diabetes control by reducing morning hyperglycemia.
Here are the other long-term benefits you can expect: You'll have more energy as your body uses insulin more efficiently. Common diabetes-related symptoms, such as blurry vision, being thirsty all of the time, or having to pee a lot, improve or disappear.
Metformin works as a treatment for PCOS by enhancing the body's sensitivity to insulin. This decreases the levels of circulating insulin and also produces a positive effect on adipose (fat) tissue. Doctors traditionally recommend metformin as a PCOS treatment for women who have a raised BMI (body mass index).
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 common prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can help lower blood sugar and HbA1c levels and is used to help manage weight. It's best to avoid saturated fats, excess alcohol consumption, too much sodium, refined carbohydrates, and processed and added sugars while taking it.
Metformin does not instantly reduce blood sugar levels. The effects are usually noticeable within 48 hours of taking the medication, and the most significant effects take 4–5 days to occur. However, the timing depends on the person's dosage.
Ozempic can result in greater weight loss than metformin
In addition to the way it affects your stomach and makes you feel full, Ozempic also acts on areas of the brain that help regulate appetite. If you have Type 2 diabetes and need help managing your weight, Ozempic can be a good option.