Is Metformin an Effective Weight Loss Pill? No. The amount of weight you're likely to lose is low. In one diabetes prevention study, 29% of people lost 5% or more of their body weight and just 8% lost around 10%.
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.
An older study found that people with obesity or having higher body fat and taking metformin for six months lost around 12 to 15 pounds. Those with more severe insulin resistance tended to lose more than those who had insulin sensitivity (16).
Weight loss as a side effect? Metformin is generally safe, but common side effects do include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Those experiencing these unpleasant side effects might consume less food, resulting in modest weight reductions.
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].
Thus, metformin is capable of accelerating the oxidation of fat in the liver, thereby leading to a decrease of visceral fat or body weight.
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems.
How long does it take to work? 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.
You're not losing weight or you've gained weight
However, if you're eating healthy and exercising regularly in conjunction with taking Metformin, but your weight hasn't budged or you've gained weight, this could be a sign that you may need to increase your dose or seek an alternative.
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.
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.
Someone who is nondiabetic might notice decreases in inflammation, anti-aging benefits, and some weight loss, says Acebedo.
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.
High-Fiber Foods
Researchers posit that exceeding 30 grams of fiber in a day may lower metformin levels in the body due to the fact that fiber binds to the drug and reduces its efficacy. (9) So it may be best to avoid high-fiber foods like oatmeal, chickpeas, avocado, berries, peas, beans, and chia seeds.
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.
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).
“Because the metformin helps your cells absorb sugar like they should, I've noticed an increase in energy and the ability to actually feel satisfied and not want to snack so much because my body's utilizing sugar like it should,” Steve says. Another unintended benefit: He's more apt to do yard work and walk the dogs.
This in turn lowers blood sugar levels. 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.
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.
We showed that metformin therapy is associated with a longer sleep duration and better sleep efficiency.
Typical starting dosage: 500 mg, twice per day, or 850 mg, once per day. Take your doses with meals. Dosage changes: Your doctor may increase your dosage by 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a total of 2,550 mg taken per day in divided doses.
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.