Metformin is typically an oral medication used to manage the blood sugar levels of those with type 2 diabetes. There is no doubt that the primary function of Metformin is to improve glycemic control but it has been observed to help in the weight loss journey.
Metformin has FDA approval and can be used for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
However, few research works have suggested that it might have some health risks to consider.
Read the blog to know more about how metformin helps in weight loss and its other mechanisms.
How Does Metformin Work?
Metformin mainly works to lower the blood sugar level and also contributes to weight loss.
It decreases the production of glucose in the liver. Due to the reduction of glucose levels in the liver, the blood sugar level also reduces.
Metformin also helps in improving insulin sensitivity. Thus it enhances the body’s response to insulin and allows the cell to use glucose more effectively.
Metformin decreases the absorption of glucose in the stomach
It is very effective for reducing glucose absorption in the body ( stomach and intestine) and reduces the blood sugar level.
How does Metformin help in fat control? As per the studies, it increases the hormones, which reduce your hunger. Metformin has a great influence on reducing food intake and overall appetite.
You must know about the mechanism behind Metformin reducing weight gain.
It stimulates weight-gaining hormones. It also helps in the heavy production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. This may contribute to weight loss.
Metformin improves the cell response to insulin, and this reduces blood sugar levels. Due to this, the body tends to release the extra stored glucose.
Leptin level is also affected by Metformin. This hormone helps in appetite suppression and energy balance.
Does Metformin Cause Weight Loss?
Metformin is generally used for other purposes and helps in weight loss as a side effect.
However, the exact amount of weight loss by metformin isn’t clear. But like other diabetes medication metformin doesn’t lead to weight gain.
Appetite Suppression.
Mostly the drug decreases your appetite and doesn’t make you feel like eating a lot continuously.
Although it’s unclear how metformin helps in appetite reduction, it may be because of the following reasons.
- Metformin reacts with the gut microbiota
- It enhances the body to release more appetite-reducing hormones.
- It affects the appetite-regulating areas of the brain.
Metformin is also believed to create bloating, nausea, and diarrhea, which generally reduces the urge to eat.
How Does Metformin Work in the Long Term?
Metformin won’t work in the long-term fat-loss process without a proper diet plan.
Your diet should be rich in nutrients and involve physical activities.
However, it has been found that people taking metformin for 6 to 10 years have a good amount of fat loss. You can mark a loss of 5% fat from the initial year only.
You must know that any drug impact lasts until you stop taking it. So after you stop taking metformin, there are chances of regaining weight. Even during the process of taking drugs, you can get back the lost weight.
Know More About Metformin’s Weight Loss Effects:
Clinical trials have found that metformin therapy helps in modest weight reduction.
Studies show that by taking metformin you may lose weight by up to 5% within the first year of metformin use. If you weigh about 250 pounds, then you can expect a weight loss of about 12 to 15 pounds. You can expect a weight loss of about 5.8 kg within 6 months of use.
You can use it for weight loss but there are many other effective medications like Wegovy and Zepbound.
Can You Use Metformin for Weight Loss?
Metformin is mostly used by people with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes to lower blood sugar levels. For non-diabetic individuals, it is used to reduce chronic weight.
- People suffering from metabolic health issues, prediabetic or Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS can use it for weight reduction. As they suffer from weight gain and other health issues.
- You can also use metformin for getting rid of weight gain caused by medications like antipsychotics.
Factors influencing Weight Loss
Many factors support weight loss associated with metformin intake.
- Metformin can be very effective for people with high levels of insulin resistance. It works faster for these types of people.
- Metformin must be complemented with lifestyle changes for best results. You need to do regular exercise to burn the extra calories.
- Metformin increases the production of short-chain fatty acids. This can contribute to weight loss.
Side Effects of Metformin:
Metformin is most probably safe for use but has some side effects in some individuals.
Metformin can cause nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea in some individuals. In a few cases, extreme health issues like low calorie and heavy weight loss are also found.
Remember that Metformin isn’t a magic pill. Only consuming metformin won’t give you the desired results. Always follow a healthy lifestyle and physical activities for the desired results.
Although metformin has been shown to promote weight loss when used off-label, it may also cause side effects like abdominal pain, Metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, and diarrhea.
In 2020, a review showed that metformin can cause these side effects.
A few other side effects of Metformin use are: pancreatitis, vitamin B12 deficiency, hepatitis, blood clotting issues, and hypoglycemia.
The authors said that metformin is off-label for weight loss and that it must not be used in the long term. Use of Metformin in the long term can trigger side effects.
Metformin is mostly dated for use but you must not ignore the side effects. Any weight loss doesn’t occur overnight. It happens gradually and does not cause serious health issues.
You must consult a doctor even if you are worried about any kind of side effects. If you lose more weight, contact a doctor, and they can change your diabetes treatment plan. The doctors will help you know about the real cause of weight loss.
Facts you Must know
Metformin has modest weight loss or changes. You may not lose a significant amount of weight using metformin.
Monotherapy may not be possible in metformin.
You must know that Metformin isn’t approved by the FDA for weight loss.
Additional Benefits of Using Metformin
Apart from maintaining the blood sugar level and contributing to weight loss, Metformin has some extra benefits too
- Metformin helps in maintaining blood lipid profiles.
- Weight Loss effects of using it help in preventing diabetes.
- According to the study, scientists claim that metformin is used to produce lac-phe molecules, which help in physical activities.
This molecule also has anti-hunger strike effects that reduce your appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
How fast does metformin work for weight reduction?
According to the studies, metformin typically takes less than a month to show about 5% of weight loss. Gradually the amount might increase.
Can Non-diabetic individuals take metformin for weight loss?
Studies and reviews show that metformin shows weight loss even in individuals who are not suffering from diabetes. However, the FDA has not approved metformin as a potential weight-loss drug.
Which is a better option Ozempic and metformin?
Both Ozempic and metformin are used for treating diabetes and help in weight loss.
Is metformin prescribed by doctors for weight loss?
Yes, in case you have type 2 diabetes and are suffering from obesity, the doctor might prescribe you Metformin.
However, in many cases, metformin is prescribed even if you do not have diabetes. This is generally termed as off-label use of Metformin. This kind of usage is not specified by FDA.
Conclusion
Metformin can result in providing you with a modest weight loss. It helps regulate your blood insulin levels, reduces appetite, and affects your hormones. It is often prescribed off-label for weight reduction in people having metabolic complications.
Metformin gives you the best results for weight management when combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and physical exercise.
It is very important to consult a healthcare expert to know the health risks and benefits before using Metformin.