Will Metformin Cause Weight Loss?

If you’re considering taking metformin for weight loss, you may be wondering if the medication will actually help you shed pounds. Here’s what you need to know.

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What is metformin?

Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and helping the body respond better to insulin. Metformin can also help promote weight loss by decreasing the amount of glucose absorbed from food and increasing feelings of fullness. Although metformin is not specifically approved for weight loss, it has been shown to be effective in some people.

How does metformin cause weight loss?

There are a few different ways that metformin may help with weight loss.

First, the drug lowers glucose levels in the body, which may lead to decreased calorie intake. In one study, people who took metformin ate fewer calories than those who didn’t take the drug (1).

Furthermore, metformin may increase the number of calories you burn (2). One study showed that metformin increased calorie burning by about 5% compared to a placebo (2).

Additionally, metformin has been shown to reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from food (3). In one study, people who took metformin absorbed about 4% less fat from their diet than those who didn’t take the drug (3).

Lastly, metformin may help with weight loss by reducing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when your body can’t use insulin effectively. This can lead to higher than normal levels of insulin in your blood, which can promote weight gain (4).

Who is likely to experience weight loss from metformin?

There are many people who would like to lose weight and are considering taking the diabetes drug, metformin. But will metformin cause weight loss?

The short answer is that there is no straightforward answer. Some people who take metformin do lose weight, but others find that their weight stays the same or even increases.

It is thought that those who are most likely to experience weight loss from metformin are those who are overweight or obese when they start taking the drug. It is also thought that those who have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes may be more likely to lose weight from metformin.

If you are thinking about taking metformin for weight loss, it is important to speak to your doctor first. They will be able to advise you on whether this is the right decision for you and whether there are any other options that may be more suitable.

How much weight loss can be expected from metformin?

Weight loss from metformin is often minimal and dose-dependent. In other words, the higher the dose of metformin, the greater the weight loss. For example, a person taking 1,000 mg of metformin per day may lose 2 to 8 pounds more than someone not taking the medication.

Are there any side effects associated with metformin and weight loss?

There are some side effects associated with metformin and weight loss, but they are typically mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Some people also experience dizziness, fatigue, and low blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medication or give you tips on how to manage the side effects.

What are the long-term effects of metformin on weight?

There is not a lot of data on the long-term effects of metformin on weight, but the available evidence suggests that it is effective in helping people lose weight and keep it off. One study found that people who took metformin for two years lost an average of 5.5% of their body weight, while those who didn’t take the drug gained an average of 2.2% (1).

Other research has shown that metformin can help people lose weight even if they don’t have diabetes. In one study, people with prediabetes who took metformin for three years lost an average of 7% of their body weight, compared to those who didn’t take the drug (2).

So, if you’re considering taking metformin for weight loss, it’s likely to be effective in the short term and may also help you keep the weight off in the long term. Talk to your doctor about whether this drug is right for you.