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Does Metformin Cause Weight Loss?
Key Takeaway
Metformin is a drug used for treating type 2 diabetes. It may trigger loss of body weight as one of tis side effects. This med does not have the needful approval to treat weight loss though. Your daily habits – such as foods you eat and an active lifestyle along with regular workouts – play a vital role in determining the efficacy of metformin in reducing your weight. In general, metformin may improve glucose and insulin levels, and promote a good appetite.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is an oral drug. It is widely administered for treating type 2 form of diabetes. Dosages are offered both to kids (aged above 10 years) and to adults. This med has the approval of the US-based drug controlling body – the food and drug administration (FDA).
Metformin suppresses the absorption of glucose and also reduces the quantum of glucose your liver makes. On the whole, this drug is known for its ability to turn your body more sensitive to insulin. Doctors prescribe this med with a daily workout schedule as well as changes to your daily diet.
Does Metformin Cause Weight Loss?
Loss of body weight is only an off-label benefit of this antidiabetic drug. Also, metformin is not effective to all who aim to shed extra kilos off their system. Doctors believe metformin may only promote a moderate level of weight loss.
Studies done with limited number of participants do indicate a signification drop in body mass index (BMI) among people who are obese. But drugs branded as weight-loss meds need have to bring about more than 5% reduction in weight. Metformin needs to be tested through more trials to check if it triggers a significant weight loss.
Studies observe long-term loss of body weight with the use of metformin. Among obese people – a dose of about 750 mg, offered over a period of 24 months – this med helped them shed more up to 10% of weight. But such results also depend on how much you adhere to the prescribed diet plan and regular workout schedules.
Beware of a few side-effects metformin may trigger. These include discharge of loose stools, formation of gas, pain in your lower abdomen, difficulties to pass stools freely, acid reflux or heartburn. At times, you may experience an altered sense of taste in your mouth, drop in vitamin B 12, acute spells of migraines, muscular aches, etc.
If you sense any of these side effects, consult with your caregiving team without any further delay. On witnessing rashes, inflammation of oral organs, pain in chest, etc., call 911 if you are in US. You may reach out to a poison control cell if you are in any of the Canadian provinces.
Metformin and Alcohol
Intake of alcohol with metformin may cause a few harmful side effects. Most of these adverse outcomes are labelled as near-fatal or even fatal. You may develop a condition called hypoglycemia; this is characterised by an excessively low level of blood sugars. Once deprived of optimal sugar levels, your system may find it hard to carry out several basic functions. You need to know when sugars fare at less than 70 mg / deciliter, it can make you hypoglycemic.
Metformin and alcohol is also likely to cause a condition called lactic acidosis. Here, an excessive level of lactic acids in blood. As a result, your system may find it hard to work on such added presence of acids. Your kidneys know how to process lactic acids; but, with a build-up of such acids – your renal system may stand overwhelmed. If left unbalanced, this condition can impair your essential organs.
Owing to the abovementioned risks, it is always a safe thing to talk to your doctor about the effects of taking metformin and alcohol.
Can Metformin Cause Diarrhea ?
Yes, diarrhea is one of the most commonly witnessed side effects of metformin. You may experience discharge of loose stools either immediately after starting your doses or in a few days’ time of starting your medication plan. In most instances, diarrhea may stop as soon as your systems gets used to the key chemicals of metformin.
But if you are having persistent / non-stop episodes of diarrhea, you need to consult with your caregiver as soon as you possibly can. Those who are experience stomach upset are advised to take metformin along with a meal. Caregivers may also gradually enhance your dosage strength to make your body used to this drug.
There are also cases wherein an extended-release version (ER) of metformin is offered; the effects caused by the ER version are milder than those triggered by the immediate release (IR) form of this med.
It is recommended to take a lot of fluids like water or juices. It helps to have at least 8 ounces of water each time your go to the toilet. It can also help to eat small-sized meals. It can do a lot of good to east potassium-based diet – you can consume bananas, a rich source of this mineral. Lastly, stay away from deeply fried and oily foods, dairy-based food products, caffeine-based drinks like tea or coffee, and also say no to foods that may cause flatulence.
If spells of diarrhea persist for long, see if stopping the intake of metformin helps arrest the discharge of loose stools. Despite stopping this med if diarrhea persists, you may need to opt for some tests – with the consent of your treating doctor. Above all, to know more about metformin and weight loss, speak with a certified caregiver.
URLs referred to –
https://www.drugs.com/metformin.html
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/exercise-and-lactic-acidosis
https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/metformin-for-weight-loss/
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting that intake of a drug(s) or a treatment modality is safe or appropriate. You are hence urged to consult with a certified clinical professional, and get a treatment plan from her / him for the underlying medical condition(s).
Frequently Asked Questions
While diarrhea is a common side effect of Metformin, it can indirectly lead to weight loss due to fluid loss and decreased calorie absorption. However, this type of weight loss is generally not considered healthy or sustainable.
Metformin can cause diarrhea by affecting the absorption of sugars in the intestines, which increases the speed of bowel movements. This side effect often occurs when starting the medication or after a dosage increase.
In many cases, adjusting the dose of Metformin can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea. Your doctor may also suggest taking an extended-release version of Metformin, which is often better tolerated.
Yes, while Metformin is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. These side effects can sometimes contribute to weight loss.
You should not take Metformin solely for weight loss if you do not have diabetes or another condition for which Metformin is prescribed. Taking it without a medical need can lead to unnecessary health risks.
Mike is a licensed pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in community pharmacy management. He is dedicated to helping people understand their medications and improve their overall health. Mike enjoys reading medical journals and sharing practical health tips. Connect with him on LinkedIn for the latest in pharmacy practices."
Key Takeaway
Metformin is a drug used for treating type 2 diabetes. It may trigger loss of body weight as one of tis side effects. This med does not have the needful approval to treat weight loss though. Your daily habits – such as foods you eat and an active lifestyle along with regular workouts – play a vital role in determining the efficacy of metformin in reducing your weight. In general, metformin may improve glucose and insulin levels, and promote a good appetite.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is an oral drug. It is widely administered for treating type 2 form of diabetes. Dosages are offered both to kids (aged above 10 years) and to adults. This med has the approval of the US-based drug controlling body – the food and drug administration (FDA).
Metformin suppresses the absorption of glucose and also reduces the quantum of glucose your liver makes. On the whole, this drug is known for its ability to turn your body more sensitive to insulin. Doctors prescribe this med with a daily workout schedule as well as changes to your daily diet.
Does Metformin Cause Weight Loss?
Loss of body weight is only an off-label benefit of this antidiabetic drug. Also, metformin is not effective to all who aim to shed extra kilos off their system. Doctors believe metformin may only promote a moderate level of weight loss.
Studies done with limited number of participants do indicate a signification drop in body mass index (BMI) among people who are obese. But drugs branded as weight-loss meds need have to bring about more than 5% reduction in weight. Metformin needs to be tested through more trials to check if it triggers a significant weight loss.
Studies observe long-term loss of body weight with the use of metformin. Among obese people – a dose of about 750 mg, offered over a period of 24 months – this med helped them shed more up to 10% of weight. But such results also depend on how much you adhere to the prescribed diet plan and regular workout schedules.
Beware of a few side-effects metformin may trigger. These include discharge of loose stools, formation of gas, pain in your lower abdomen, difficulties to pass stools freely, acid reflux or heartburn. At times, you may experience an altered sense of taste in your mouth, drop in vitamin B 12, acute spells of migraines, muscular aches, etc.
If you sense any of these side effects, consult with your caregiving team without any further delay. On witnessing rashes, inflammation of oral organs, pain in chest, etc., call 911 if you are in US. You may reach out to a poison control cell if you are in any of the Canadian provinces.
Metformin and Alcohol
Intake of alcohol with metformin may cause a few harmful side effects. Most of these adverse outcomes are labelled as near-fatal or even fatal. You may develop a condition called hypoglycemia; this is characterised by an excessively low level of blood sugars. Once deprived of optimal sugar levels, your system may find it hard to carry out several basic functions. You need to know when sugars fare at less than 70 mg / deciliter, it can make you hypoglycemic.
Metformin and alcohol is also likely to cause a condition called lactic acidosis. Here, an excessive level of lactic acids in blood. As a result, your system may find it hard to work on such added presence of acids. Your kidneys know how to process lactic acids; but, with a build-up of such acids – your renal system may stand overwhelmed. If left unbalanced, this condition can impair your essential organs.
Owing to the abovementioned risks, it is always a safe thing to talk to your doctor about the effects of taking metformin and alcohol.
Can Metformin Cause Diarrhea ?
Yes, diarrhea is one of the most commonly witnessed side effects of metformin. You may experience discharge of loose stools either immediately after starting your doses or in a few days’ time of starting your medication plan. In most instances, diarrhea may stop as soon as your systems gets used to the key chemicals of metformin.
But if you are having persistent / non-stop episodes of diarrhea, you need to consult with your caregiver as soon as you possibly can. Those who are experience stomach upset are advised to take metformin along with a meal. Caregivers may also gradually enhance your dosage strength to make your body used to this drug.
There are also cases wherein an extended-release version (ER) of metformin is offered; the effects caused by the ER version are milder than those triggered by the immediate release (IR) form of this med.
It is recommended to take a lot of fluids like water or juices. It helps to have at least 8 ounces of water each time your go to the toilet. It can also help to eat small-sized meals. It can do a lot of good to east potassium-based diet – you can consume bananas, a rich source of this mineral. Lastly, stay away from deeply fried and oily foods, dairy-based food products, caffeine-based drinks like tea or coffee, and also say no to foods that may cause flatulence.
If spells of diarrhea persist for long, see if stopping the intake of metformin helps arrest the discharge of loose stools. Despite stopping this med if diarrhea persists, you may need to opt for some tests – with the consent of your treating doctor. Above all, to know more about metformin and weight loss, speak with a certified caregiver.
URLs referred to –
https://www.drugs.com/metformin.html
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/exercise-and-lactic-acidosis
https://www.forbes.com/health/weight-loss/metformin-for-weight-loss/
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting that intake of a drug(s) or a treatment modality is safe or appropriate. You are hence urged to consult with a certified clinical professional, and get a treatment plan from her / him for the underlying medical condition(s).
Frequently Asked Questions
While diarrhea is a common side effect of Metformin, it can indirectly lead to weight loss due to fluid loss and decreased calorie absorption. However, this type of weight loss is generally not considered healthy or sustainable.
Metformin can cause diarrhea by affecting the absorption of sugars in the intestines, which increases the speed of bowel movements. This side effect often occurs when starting the medication or after a dosage increase.
In many cases, adjusting the dose of Metformin can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea. Your doctor may also suggest taking an extended-release version of Metformin, which is often better tolerated.
Yes, while Metformin is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. These side effects can sometimes contribute to weight loss.
You should not take Metformin solely for weight loss if you do not have diabetes or another condition for which Metformin is prescribed. Taking it without a medical need can lead to unnecessary health risks.
Mike is a licensed pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in community pharmacy management. He is dedicated to helping people understand their medications and improve their overall health. Mike enjoys reading medical journals and sharing practical health tips. Connect with him on LinkedIn for the latest in pharmacy practices."
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