How to Lose Weight Fast on Metformin?
Healthful Vitality | 11/28/2021 | By NP Contributor | How to Lose Weight Fast on Metformin?
Obesity is the underlying cause of numerous diseases, from diabetes to heart conditions. It may even increase the risk of conditions that are usually not thought to be related to obesity, like Alzheimer’s or certain types of cancers.
Obesity is such a big issue that the US has become the first country to declare it a disease. It means that it is not viewed merely as a risk factor for other conditions in the US. Its classification as a disease also means that it should be actively treated.
US FDA has approved a few medications for the treatment of obesity. However, the results of many of those medications are far from satisfactory. Further, there are worries regarding their side effects.
What is metformin and How to Lose Weight Fast on Metformin?
Metformin is the first-line treatment of diabetes or insulin resistance. It is the most commonly used drug to treat type 2 diabetes. It is no secret that type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
Additionally, it has been long known that metformin has numerous other beneficial effects on metabolism. It promotes weight loss.
What is good about this drug is that it is pretty safe. Therefore, people living with diabetes may safely and continually use it for years.
Can metformin help lose weight fast?
The use of metformin for weight loss is its off-label use. It means that such use is still not approved. However, repurposing the drugs is not rare in medicine.
There is strong evidence that metformin can help lose weight fast. For example, in one of the clinical trials in 154 patients with BMI greater than 27, 2500 mg a day of metformin could produce prolonged weight loss. In the study, most participants lost 5 to 7 kg within six months.
This was the average weight loss. It may be much greater and faster if combined with dietary measures and exercise. It is also worth noticing that the above clinical study was in non-diabetic patients. Although, benefits with metformin might be more significant in those living with borderline diabetes.
Metformin could also be good for weight loss in women living with signs and symptoms of PCOS. Many women living with the conditions are overweight or even obese.
How does metformin work?
Metformin is quite an old drug discovered way back in 1922. However, researchers took more than 50 years to understand it’s incredible metabolic effects and health benefits.
Researchers think that it helps in multiple ways. It boosts metabolism, reduces appetite, it may even influence specific brain centers. It also appears to have a positive impact on gut microbiota. Besides, it may even have some anti-aging effects.
Is metformin safe?
Yes, it is amazingly safe and rarely causes any side effects. People living with diabetes may use it continually for years. It does not increase insulin or cause hypoglycemia. Instead, it reduces insulin resistance. It has many beneficial effects on metabolism.
However, its prolonged use may cause vitamin B12 deficiency in some. Thus, vitamin B12 intermittent supplementation may be considered when using this drug for weight loss.