If you’ve been prescribed Metformin, you’re probably aware of the many possible side effects. Now commonly prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients, Metformin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, sleepiness, stomach and abdominal cramps and more besides. However, you may also have heard about the potential perk of taking Metformin. In this article, we examine the question, can Metformin help you lose weight? Will you be likely to shed a few pounds when taking Metformin?
How Does Metformin Work?
Doctors prescribe Metformin to help diabetics to control their blood glucose levels. In conjunction with a diet and exercise plan, Metformin works toward improving your body’s insulin response. Furthermore, it cuts down on the amount of glucose your liver produces. Overall, the insulin sensitivity improves, while the insulin response also gets better.
Can Metformin Help You Lose Weight?
Research shows that Metformin can, indeed, help you to lose weight. Just why it does so remains unclear, and more research is necessary. Nonetheless, experts believe that, for starters, Metformin reduces your appetite. In addition, unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects may also stop you from eating.
However, it is important to remember that long-term sustainable weight loss requires a comprehensive diet and exercise plan. So, if you’re asking can Metformin help you lose weight, you may hear a reserved yes but don’t expect miracles.
Weight Loss for Non-Diabetics
The above-mentioned study further showed that non-diabetic individuals can also experience weight loss while taking Metformin. Though the weight loss is less marked in insulin-sensitive people, in this study, they still lost some weight. People with insulin resistance shed a lot more weight.
Final Thoughts
Research has indicated that taking Metformin may help to lose weight. Nonetheless, this weight loss is only sustainable on a long-term basis if you implement a medically supervised diet and exercise plan too.
