Does Metformin Help You Lose Weight?

Are you suffering from obesity or type-2 diabetes? Maybe you want to lose weight, but hate to wake up early and hit the gym. Hunting for an easy trick which can help you lose weight fast? Then you should look at Metformin, which is a drug that might help you achieve what you want.

Metformin and weight loss are often linked together. However, you must know that weight loss is not the primary objective of this drug. But it is definitely true that it is one of the safer pills available in the market which leads to weight loss.

With more and more people looking for ‘instant’ weight loss options, the market today has been flooded with products like weight loss pills that promise to help you shed that flab in a jiffy. But before you pop in that pill, you should know a thing or two about it!

What Is Metformin?

Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic medicine that is often prescribed to people suffering from type-2 diabetes. It is also found in the market by the name of Glucophage. Type-2 diabetics are people who are unable to produce enough insulin in the body or utilize it effectively. Metformin is given to these patients to control their blood sugar levels. This often leads to weight loss as well. It is also used for the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and premature puberty. The common thing between all these diseases is insulin resistance. Interestingly, weight loss is often considered a side-effect of Metformin consumption.

The amount of weight loss can differ from person to person. Check out the various factors which lead to Metformin weight loss.

What Does Metformin Do? 

Metformin lowers the glucose level in the body, eases the consumption of existing glucose in blood and increases insulin sensitivity. This drug affects the metabolism in our body. Glucose is a sugar molecule and Metformin works on it by activating an enzyme in the liver known as the AMP-activated protein kinase. This enzyme helps to improve the activity of insulin in the human body. It helps to lower the blood sugar level. Metformin also interferes with fat production and storage in the human body, thereby preventing accumulation of fat.

Another thing Metformin does is that it curbs our appetite. With our hunger pangs under control, the chance of binge eating goes down significantly. The movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine is also delayed. This leaves us feeling satiated for a longer period of time and limits the amount of food we are likely to eat. This not only helps in weight loss but also has cardiovascular benefits. According to a survey by redbookmag.com, regular consumption of Metformin for a year can make you lose 10% of your body weight.

 [Read: Simple Tips To Lose Weight In 1 Week ]

Effects Of Metformin:

This medicine helps to improve insulin activity in the human body. As a result, the body begins to produce insulin at a normal rate. It also helps in curbing appetite in type-2 diabetes patients. In addition, the enhanced production of insulin also helps in burning the fat cells in the body. Metformin helps in decreasing the number of calories converted into fat cells by the liver.

Time Taken For Weight Loss:

There have been many studies regarding Metformin-induced weight loss in type-2 diabetic patients and obese people. Many of these studies lasted from 4 to 7 months in total. The results conclude that the immediate weight loss experienced due to Metformin ranges from 1 to 4 kg. Experts say that the real weight reduction begins only after taking the medication for 4 to 6 weeks in total.

Health professionals believe that the combination of Metformin medication and exercising requires absolute care because the patient can experience sudden shoot-up or drop in their blood sugar levels at any point of time. Proper care should be taken about the timing of eating and taking medicines as well. Regular examination of the blood sugar levels before and after exercising is a must.

[Read: Simple Tips To Lose Weight In 10 Days ]

Proper Use:

You have to be really careful in selecting your diet when on Metformin medications. Remember, this medication may not be effective in weight loss if you eat food that immediately increases the blood sugar level. Avoid fatty and fried foods while you are using Metformin. Moreover, not all tests have proven that Metformin is meant for weight loss. Metformin is a medicinal drug and must not be taken without prior consultation with your physician or without his recommendation. There are many things that should be taken into consideration before using Metformin. Your allergies, alcohol habits, any other ailments and your kidney functioning – all should be discussed with the doctor beforehand for him to decide if the drug would suit you. Also, stick to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Also, always remember that no pill or drug can replace the need for exercise and proper diet if you are serious about losing weight.

[Read: How To Lose Weight from Thighs ]

Side Effects:

Weight loss is one of the most desired side effects of Metformin. But not all the side effects are so positive. Malaise, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, stomach ache, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, sleepiness, cramping and musculoskeletal pains, lower back pain, seizure, blurred vision, urinary problems, anxiety, etc. are some of the side effects that might result from Metformin consumption.

These side-effects are not common but if you experience these after-effects, you should immediately discuss it with your physician. There are a number of reasons these side effects might manifest – lifestyle, medication, other ailments, or because the drug did not suit you. So, don’t delay consulting your doctor.

Hope this article answered your queries about Metformin. Have you tried any weight loss pills? Did they work for you? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

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