How Fast Will You Lose Weight on Metformin? Based on the above studies, any weight loss with metformin appears to occur over the course of about 6 to 12 months. But people may see some results earlier.
Considering all factors, metformin can cause a modest amount of weight reduction in those who take the medication regularly, although average weight loss is only between 4-7 pounds per year.
Side effects of the drug: Metformin may cause nausea and diarrhea. Initially as a person is adjusting to the medication, the combination of an upset stomach, eating less, and having diarrhea may cause a temporary drop in weight.
Luckily, metformin may start to work within the first week of treatment. In one study of over 700 people, metformin ER lowered blood glucose within the first week of treatment. But it took about 2 months for it to have its full glucose-lowering effect.
Thus, metformin is capable of accelerating the oxidation of fat in the liver, thereby leading to a decrease of visceral fat or body weight.
A medical provider can run a few tests to see how metformin is affecting your health: Blood work can check if your glucose, insulin, and HbA1C levels are in range. If they are, the medication is working.
As much as possible, avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snacks like chips or crackers. Eating foods that can spike your blood sugar will not necessarily make the metformin not work, however, it will increase the burden it has to work against.
Nausea and gastric distress such as stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea are somewhat common among people starting up on metformin. For some people, taking large doses of metformin right away causes gastric distress, so it's common for doctors to start small and build the dosage up over time.
The administration of metformin, as glucophage retard, at bedtime instead of supper time may improve diabetes control by reducing morning hyperglycemia.
Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood. If your vitamin B12 levels become too low, vitamin B12 supplements will help.
Is Long-Term Weight Loss Possible on Metformin? Even though metformin may lead to some weight loss, the amount you lose may be far less than expected. On average, weight loss after one year on the drug is only six pounds, according to past research.
Current evidence suggests that the weight change associated with metformin is more likely to be due to decreased caloric intake versus increases in energy expenditure. Metformin appears to impact appetite regulation both directly and indirectly due to its gastrointestinal side effects.
Recent research has also demonstrated that a low dose of metformin (1000-1500mg/day) can promote weight loss in non-diabetic individuals.
Metformin and weight loss
In a much larger trial in over 4,000 people with type 2 diabetes, it was found metformin use was associated with a 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs) weight loss over a four-year period. There are a few ways that metformin might impact weight. One is that the medication can reduce your appetite.
The use of metformin by non-diabetics stems from some evidence that metformin can decrease inflammation, protect against cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment, minimize cancer risk and progression, and prolong life.
Outside of their work, other scientists are hailing metformin as a wonder drug not only because of its effect on Type 2 diabetes, but because of its emerging prominence in cancer research and potential influence in the lungs of those diagnosed with tuberculosis.
How long does it take to work? Metformin does not instantly reduce blood sugar levels. The effects are usually noticeable within 48 hours of taking the medication, and the most significant effects take 4–5 days to occur.
Metformin must be consumed with meals to assist lower stomach or bowel side effects that might happen during the initial few weeks of treatment. The tablet or extended-release tablet must be taken whole with a full glass of water.
It's best to take metformin tablets with, or just after, your evening meal to reduce the chance of getting side effects. Swallow your metformin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them. If you're taking metformin sachets, pour the powder into a glass and add water (about 150ml).
If you eat a lot of sugar while taking Metformin, your body will have to work harder to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, and the Metformin will not be as effective for weight loss. However, if it happens infrequently, you should not suffer too many negative side effects. The key is moderation.
Some simple and refined carbohydrates
Metformin helps limit blood glucose levels. Simple and refined carbs boost those blood sugar levels, which can increase weight gain and cause metformin not to work as well as it should.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
Numerous research groups have reported that metformin has beneficial effects on a variety of inflammatory skin disorders including psoriasis, acanthosis nigricans, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and allergic contact dermatitis.
Ozempic has generally been shown to help people lose more weight than metformin, but everyone's experience is different, and weight loss is not guaranteed by either drug – nor is either drug FDA-approved for that purpose.