Metformin for weight loss?

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Replies

  • 4ever420
    4ever420 Posts: 4,088 Member
    I have mild PCOS and I took it to help get pregnant because my hormones were out of wack. At the time I was actively trying to lose weight (Dr said that would likely help me conceive) and I noticed the Metformin greatly reduced my appetite which made losing weight much easier. I can't tell if it directly caused weight loss since I was eating right and exercising anyway but definitely noticed I wasn't as hungry.
  • Kate7294
    Kate7294 Posts: 783 Member
    I do have PCOS and was also diagnosed as pre-diabetic in 2009.
    I lost 67 lbs in 9 months ( from 243 lbs to 176 lbs) taking metformin and watching my carbs/sugar intake ( eating healthier in general) No longer pre-diabetic. Of course then I became pregnant at 39. LOL.
    Now I started using this app my start weight was 215 lbs. Lost 19 already. Trying to lower my cholesterol and start taking care of myself.
    In my case I stopped taking care of myself in order to take care of everyone else ( husband, teenage son, and infant daughter) which is why I re-gained some.
    Hope this helps.

    *** Just so you know I've never experienced any side effects other than some constipation which could be from my previous IBS issues. Metformin is a low priced option. Usually around $4 from our Kroger/Walmart pharmacy. So why not try it. Especially if you are pre-diabetic or showing signs.
  • jetpinkjess
    jetpinkjess Posts: 1
    I take Metformin for diabetes, however, it is recognized as an effective weight loss drug. I know 3 people who have been prescribed Metformin for weight loss. It is safe and effective. It also helps hormone regulation. It is also prescribed for PCOS. I have been taking it for a month now and have lost a few pounds.
  • Mangopickle
    Mangopickle Posts: 1,509 Member
    Make sure you know your HgbA1c number. This is a 90 day picture of your sugar levels. 5.4 or less is normal, 5.5 -6.3 insulin resistance. 6.4 frank diabetes. Most people are started on metformin around 6.0 or higher because at 6.4 your risk for a cardiovascular event approaches 20%. Whatever you do, extended release metformin, proper diet severely limiting high glycemic carbs, regular exercise, all of which I am sure your physician recommended in combination. Just make sure you address it.
  • riley711
    riley711 Posts: 298 Member
    Hello!! I was prescribe Metformin to treat my type 2 diabetes. I was on it for quite a few years. Recent lab work came back showing that I was close to having kidney failure. My Dr. took me off of the Metformin immediately, and had me commit to drinking more water. This restored my kidney function back to normal.

    That being said, I would not recommend using a diabetes drug for anything other than its intended purpose. Also understand that all these medications have side affects. Your overall health is not worth the risk. Also, I would not recommend taking anything for any reason other than its intended purpose. Each of these medications has side effects. So be careful.
  • JaniceStocks
    JaniceStocks Posts: 1 Member
    Hi, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. I was put on metformin to help my fertility. As a result of the polycystic ovaries I had developed insulin resistance. When I was on metformin I found it easier to control my eating. I had far less cravings and felt more satisfied.

    I went back on metformin about 4 months ago as an off licence prescription (now recommended for known sufferers of polycystic ovaries if it helps). I have lost 13Kg. My weight loss it slower than I would like but I also have underactive thyroid and a tendency to be sedentary.

    I have found it has helped with my energy levels as well.
    I hope it helps you if you decide to take it.
    Jan
  • andibenoit
    andibenoit Posts: 71 Member
    I've taken it and I did lose weight that being said I lost weight because it makes me too nauseous to eat anything. And I can control my blood sugar just as well without it by cutting out sugary drinks and cutting back on the Reese's cups.

    This is what I was going to say... Taking Metformin made me so insanely nauseous that I couldn't eat for 6-8 hours after taking it.
  • stacysjourney
    stacysjourney Posts: 52 Member
    I have been on Metformin for Type 2 diabetes, its not for weight loss. I have been diagnosed with PCOS- ovarian syndrome and haven't been on medicine for that. I don't even know how that would be treated with medicine. I would honestly start making serious dietary changes and start exercise. That is one way to get your sugars back in check.
  • lindsey1979
    lindsey1979 Posts: 2,395 Member
    Metformin isn't specifically for weight loss, but it can result in weight loss if you have insulin resistance -- that's why it's prescribed for diabetes, PCOS, etc. (they have insulin resistance as part of the package).

    So, if you're one of those IR people, metformin may help you manage your glucose metabolism -- so you'll operate like a "normal" person. Many with IR also look to cut down on carbs -- I personally keep mine at 100 g/day or less. You've still got to put in the hard work of diet and exercise, but for those it works for with IR issues, the result can be weight loss --- just like it would be for someone without IR eating well and exercising.
  • Great_Mazinga
    Great_Mazinga Posts: 214 Member
    It is for diabetes. It's supposed to increase your sensitivity to insulin. For the first week or so, it will be hard on your gut. Imagine you are the space shuttle, and the toilet is the launch pad and you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. You should adjust, though. Better still, while you are on this learn to eat so your insulin doesn't spike so much. It really matters what you eat, now more than ever. Wishing you the best in your journey!
  • Gingergal12
    Gingergal12 Posts: 64 Member
    My doctor has me on Metformin to help me with my insulin resistance due to menopause. That plus reducing my calories and eat lower carbs have helped me lose 24 pounds. Best wishes with using Metformin.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,242 Member
    Hello!! I was prescribe Metformin to treat my type 2 diabetes. I was on it for quite a few years. Recent lab work came back showing that I was close to having kidney failure. My Dr. took me off of the Metformin immediately, and had me commit to drinking more water. This restored my kidney function back to normal.

    That being said, I would not recommend using a diabetes drug for anything other than its intended purpose. Also understand that all these medications have side affects. Your overall health is not worth the risk. Also, I would not recommend taking anything for any reason other than its intended purpose. Each of these medications has side effects. So be careful.

    OP has insulin resistance - this IS using Metformin for it's intended purpose.

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