Even if you are managing type 2 diabetes or trying to prevent it with metformin, you may already be aware of some of the side effects of the drug, such as upset stomach, loss of appetite, diarrhea, muscle aches, and drowsiness. not.
While these do not always affect everyone who is taking the drug, there is one side effect that many wonder. It’s about helping your weight loss goals.Relationship with Metformin and weight loss It’s not clear, but let’s take a look at what these pounds can drop off and cause your lower back to contract while you’re taking the medicine.
What is Metformin?
“Metformin is the most commonly used drug for the treatment of diabetes or pre-diabetes, but it can be used in a variety of conditions. Generally, it reduces insulin resistance and makes our body more efficient. Helps to react to insulin. ” Kay Lovig MD, Chief of Endocrinology, White Plains Hospital.
Metformin may also be used for PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. Marcio L Griebeler, MDDirector of the Obesity Center at the Institute for Endocrine Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic.
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Can I lose weight by taking metformin?
Depending on who you ask, that’s the answer toss. A study of the results of a diabetes prevention program found that metformin helps some people lose weight, but how or why you could lose a few pounds. Is not clear.
According to this study, metformin gradually and significantly reduced body weight and waist circumference over a year or two, averaging 4 to 7 pounds. One theory is that it may reduce your appetite and cause you to eat less, and it may also change the way your body uses and stores fat.
Dr. Greebeler says it’s not an FDA-approved drug for weight loss, but some doctors prescribe it for weight loss. “There are many other medicines that are very effective in weight loss. Metformin should cause some weight loss, but it is counteracted, so it is very for patients taking other medicines that cause weight gain. It’s effective, “adds Dr. Griebeler.
Dr. Lovig, on the other hand, states that metformin usually does not cause significant weight loss in the majority of patients who use metformin. “It is considered” weight-neutral “. That means it doesn’t cause weight loss or weight gain. However, some people experience mild weight loss while taking metformin.
Data on this vary, but one study found that 29% of people taking metformin lost more than 5% of their body weight, and only 8% lost about 10% of their body weight. She also says that while taking the drug, patients experience a slight decrease in appetite and craving for carbohydrates. “By improving insulin resistance, metformin works to help your body make less insulin, which helps metabolism in a manner similar to intermittent fasting and low-carb diets,” Dr. Lovig said. I will add.
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Does your doctor prescribe metformin for weight loss?
Metformin is especially for patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. If you’re overweight, Dr. Griebeler says your doctor may prescribe it as an anti-obesity drug, but it’s not approved by the FDA as a weight-loss drug.
Your doctor may prescribe it to manage diabetes, reduce your risk of diabetes, or help with PCOS. However, Dr. Griebeler states that metformin may be prescribed in other cases as well. “Metformin is an excellent tool and counteracts it if the patient is taking other medications that can cause weight gain. In addition, most patients with type 2 diabetes participate in it. There is a need, and patients with prediabetes can take metformin to slow or stop the progression to diabetes. “
What is the appropriate dose of metformin?
Metformin is available in both tablets and liquids. If your doctor prescribes metformin, they will determine the optimal dose for your situation. “The starting dose is 500 mg daily and the maximum dose is 2400 mg daily,” says Lovig. In most cases, your doctor will start with a low dose and gradually increase it over the course of several weeks to minimize side effects.
Can weight loss while taking metformin be caused by something else?
If you lose weight while taking metformin, it may be due to the medication, but it may not. Weight loss can be caused by several other factors.
“Metformin has not received FDA weight loss approval because it does not help the majority of patients lose weight like other approved medications. It more helps with weight loss, known as the” GLP agonist. ” There are new medicines that can be done, “says Dr. Lovig. “The commonly known weight loss medications in this class include Saxenda and Wegovy. These medications can be used with metformin.”
She says these medicines often result in more weight loss than metformin. “They mimic the hormones our stomach makes in the presence of food, supporting insulin production, acting as an appetite suppressant in the brain, reducing the passage of food in the stomach and prolonging satiety, etc. It has multiple mechanisms of action, “adds Dr. Lovig.
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What to do if you are worried about losing weight of metformin
If you are losing weight quickly and are worried, Dr. Griebeler says you should visit your provider to find the cause of weight loss. Dr. Lovig reflects his feelings by encouraging him to see a doctor, but in the meantime he can do something while waiting for an appointment. “”[Patients that] It’s helpful to keep a food journal for review with your doctor or healthcare provider, “she says. Other symptoms and medications can also cause weight loss, but it’s best to talk to your doctor to find out what’s causing it.
Metformin is not a miracle drug and is not a substitute for a healthy diet and physical activity. It is mainly used for the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, if you are taking it, it is important to make sure that you are enjoying the benefits of a balanced diet and exercise.
Next, find a way to know if you have diabetes.
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