Metformin for Weight Loss

For people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the first medication the doctor prescribes is Metformin. This is because the drug has, for many years, been proven to help control blood sugar and enable the body to use its own insulin.

Some studies also suggest that Metformin is a great remedy for weight loss. It's still being debated whether this claim is valid since most diabetes drugs are known to cause weight gain. In this guide, we'll break down the effectiveness of Metformin as a weight loss pill.

How Metformin Works

The drug begins to work in the gut by changing the balance of the natural bacteria found in the digestive system. It allegedly activates certain enzymes that improve the use of fat in the body.

Scientists are still trying to uncover how exactly Metformin promotes weight loss. This is because as the drug changes gut bacteria, its side effects largely affect the digestive system. It’s hypothetically suggested that stomach pain, which is one of the side effects, causes loss of appetite and low food intake. 

The digestive issues caused by this drug tend to disappear in a few weeks. Also, people who lose weight while taking Metformin might continue losing pounds over time.

With respect to lowering appetite, Metformin helps raise the levels of leptin, a hormone that makes you feel full, making you eat less. Even more, the amount of weight lost due to Metformin largely comes from the body's fat stores rather than a combination of lean muscle and fat that occurs with dieting. It's even reported that people taking this drug saw lower waist-to-hip ratios and lower waist measurements.

Is Metformin Prescribed for Weight Loss?

Your doctor may give you a Metformin prescription if you have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity problems. The drug will help you manage blood sugar levels and help you maintain a healthy weight as an off-label treatment.

However, there’s no specific dose for Metformin as a weight loss treatment. So, if your doctor gives you the prescription, they will suggest an appropriate dose that suits your medical circumstances. You’ll probably begin with a low dose and have it increase over a few weeks to reduce any potential side effects. 

Can People Without Diabetes Take Metformin?

Metformin is used as an off-label treatment for people with or without diabetes struggling with excess weight gain. To be precise, off-label means that the drug is used outside its intended purpose (which is to treat Type 2 diabetes).

A recent study examined the efficacy of Metformin as a weight loss pill, particularly in obese and overweight people without diabetes. It concluded that the drug can help lower BMI (body mass index in adults and adolescents.

Is Long-Term Weight Loss Possible on Metformin?

The amount of weight lost while taking Metformin is very low for the drug to make an impact on people who are overweight or obese. However, it can be enough to get you started on a weight loss journey if you have been struggling to lose weight for a long time. 

Diet and exercise continue to be the most effective remedies for excess weight gain. When combined with Metformin for people with Type 2 diabetes, these remedies can improve overall health and weight management.

However, if you don't have any form of diabetes, opt for natural remedies for weight loss rather than Metformin. By sticking to a healthy diet and working out regularly, you get to maintain a healthy weight and improve your cardiovascular health.

The Bottom Line

All in all, Metformin is a medication made to delay or treat diabetes instead of acting as a weight loss pill. It shouldn’t be a substitute for regular exercise and healthy eating, which are the pillars of an effective weight loss program.