Metformin is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Doctors routinely recommend losing weight by following a nutritious diet and exercising to avoid type 2 diabetes in the face of a prediabetes diagnosis, and in some cases taking medication. However, it has also been observed to have weight loss effects in some individuals. This article explores the experiences of people who have used metformin for weight loss, examining their journeys, challenges, and successes.
The Science Behind Metformin and Weight Loss
Metformin helps lower blood sugar levels by reducing how much glucose your body produces after eating food or drinking sugary beverages. It has also been shown to affect hunger signals within the brain by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters called serotonin and dopamine.
A new study in mice and humans found that an "anti-hunger" molecule produced after vigorous exercise is responsible for the moderate weight loss caused by the diabetes medication metformin. The finding, made jointly by researchers at Stanford Medicine and at Harvard Medical School, further cements the critical role the molecule, called lac-phe, plays in metabolism, exercise, and appetite.
Researchers found that obese laboratory mice given metformin had increased levels of lac-phe in their blood. They also analyzed stored blood plasma samples from people with Type 2 diabetes before and 12 weeks after they had begun taking metformin to control their blood sugar, and saw significant increases in the levels of lac-phe in people after metformin compared with their levels before treatment.
Real-Life Metformin Weight Loss Stories
Several individuals have shared their experiences with metformin for weight loss. Here are a few notable stories:
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Kristy's Journey: A Commitment to Health
Kristy had struggled with her weight for years, trying various diets and exercise programs without success. Despite her efforts, she found herself gaining weight and feeling discouraged. Kristy’s doctor prescribed her a dose of 500mg of Metformin twice a day. In the beginning, Kristy experienced some side effects, including nausea and stomach discomfort.
However, Kristy began to see results within the first few weeks of taking Metformin. She noticed that she was feeling fuller for longer and experiencing fewer cravings. Over the course of several months, Kristy continued to take Metformin and made other healthy lifestyle changes. She started exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. As a result of her efforts, Kristy was able to lose a significant amount of weight. She went from a starting weight of 220 pounds to a final weight of 180 pounds.
Kristy’s success with Metformin was not just due to the medication alone. She made a commitment to her health and worked hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
John's Success: Appetite Suppression
John had been struggling with his weight for years, despite trying various diets and exercise programs. After consulting with his doctor, John was prescribed a dose of 1000mg of Metformin per day. John’s experience with Metformin was relatively smooth. He did experience some initial stomach upset and diarrhea, but these symptoms improved over time.
Over the course of several months, John began to see significant improvements in his weight and health. He went from a starting weight of 260 pounds to a final weight of 220 pounds. John attributes much of his success to the appetite-suppressing effects of Metformin. He found it easier to stick to a healthy diet and avoid overeating.
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Sarah's Transformation: Lifestyle Changes and Motivation
Sarah had struggled with her weight for years, despite trying various diets and exercise programs. She was frustrated with her lack of progress and was hesitant to try medication. Sarah’s doctor prescribed her a dose of 500mg of Metformin twice a day.
Sarah began taking Metformin and noticed a decrease in her appetite and cravings. She found it easier to stick to a healthy diet and avoid snacking. Over the course of several months, Sarah continued to take Metformin and make healthy lifestyle changes. She went from a starting weight of 190 pounds to a final weight of 160 pounds. Sarah’s success with Metformin was due to a combination of factors. She was committed to making permanent lifestyle changes and was motivated to improve her health.
Mary's Determination: A Combination of Factors
Mary had struggled with her weight for years, despite trying various diets and exercise programs. She felt discouraged and frustrated but was hesitant to try medication. Mary’s doctor prescribed her a dose of 1000mg of Metformin per day.
Mary began taking Metformin and noticed a decrease in her appetite and cravings. She found it easier to stick to a healthy diet and avoid snacking. Over the course of several months, Mary continued to take Metformin and made healthy lifestyle changes. She went from a starting weight of 220 pounds to a final weight of 180 pounds. Mary’s success with Metformin was due to a combination of factors. She was committed to making permanent lifestyle changes and was motivated to improve her health.
Mike's Commitment: Health and Lifestyle
Mike had struggled with his weight for years, despite trying various diets and exercise programs. Mike’s doctor prescribed him a dose of 1000mg of Metformin per day.
Read also: Health Benefits of Metformin
Mike began taking Metformin and noticed a decrease in his appetite and cravings. He found it easier to stick to a healthy diet and avoid snacking. Over the course of several months, Mike continued to take Metformin and make healthy lifestyle changes. He went from a starting weight of 260 pounds to a final weight of 220 pounds. Mike’s success with Metformin was due to a combination of factors. He was committed to making permanent lifestyle changes and was motivated to improve his health.
Emilie's Experience: Medically-Assisted Weight Loss
Emilie Zemanek, a 32-year-old living in Orlando, Florida, had been active and healthy in her early 20s, maintaining a weight of around 130 pounds. However, in her late 20s, her weight changed as she sought solace in food to ease her depression and anxiety. The medications prescribed to treat her mental health challenges also caused her to put on weight. The COVID lockdown in 2020 further exacerbated the issue, leading her to gain weight and lose enthusiasm for exercise and healthy eating. Her weight climbed to a high of 200 pounds.
After trying various weight loss programs with limited success, Emilie decided to consider a medically-assisted weight loss program. She chose Found, a program that offers personalized treatment plans and medications like metformin. Emilie's provider prescribed metformin, and she was surprised by the results.
Emilie experienced a slight dip in blood sugar in the evenings when she started taking metformin, but her body soon adjusted to the medication. She tolerated it well and avoided some of the common side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Along with taking metformin, Emilie walks more, eats smaller portions, and sticks to a healthy diet. After five months, Emilie’s weight has dropped from 200 pounds to 168 pounds. Her goal of 140 is within reach.
Emilie says that the metformin has helped make losing weight so much easier. She is excited about being able to attend pool parties and beach outings without feeling self-conscious about her body and is proud that she will be able to share her wedding photos without hesitation.
Terrance's Journey: Personalized Weight Care and Community Support
Terrance Truitt, reflecting on his life at 32, realized he was uncomfortable in his own skin due to weight gain. Despite succeeding in other areas of his life, he felt his self-image wasn't matching up. Diabetes and hypertension ran in his family, but Terrance was hesitant to get his blood sugar and blood pressure checked.
After trying over-the-counter weight loss products, calorie restriction, fasting, and diet plans with limited success, Terrance discovered Found. The initial health screening revealed he was prediabetic and had elevated blood pressure. The recommended medication was metformin.
After starting metformin, Terrance experienced minimal side effects and lost 20 pounds in two months. He also found a strong connection with the Found community. Terrance is active in the community and feels supported by other members who share the same goals.
Terrance has discovered that he has more energy, goes to the gym more often, and feels comfortable going out with his wife and daughter. He has also realized that he is an emotional eater and turns to food when he's stressed or needs comfort. Even more, he doesn't avoid the mirror anymore and feels a renewed sense of confidence.
Important Considerations
While these stories highlight the potential benefits of metformin for weight loss, it’s crucial to consider the following:
Side Effects and Risks
Metformin is an effective drug for weight loss, but it’s important to know about side effects and risks. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. The FDA has a “black box warning” on metformin as it carries a serious safety risk of lactic acidosis.
Additionally, metformin may stimulate ovulation in those with PCOS or who are premenopausal and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Individual Variability
Individual results may vary. Each person should make medication decisions in consultation with a medical provider.
Not a Magic Bullet
Metformin is not a magic bullet for weight loss. It is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Long-Term Maintenance
Keeping patients engaged in lifestyle modifications, or other weight loss efforts in general, is challenging in the long term, as enthusiasm wanes, or because the weight loss invariably hits a plateau, and patients can become frustrated and disengage as a result.
The Role of Lac-Phe
The discovery of lac-phe and its connection to both exercise and metformin provides a new understanding of how this medication works. Lac-phe is a molecule produced from lactate (a byproduct of muscle fatigue) and phenylalanine (an amino acid). It appears to play a role in reducing hunger and promoting weight loss.
This finding suggests that there may be a way to optimize oral medications to affect these hunger and energy balance pathways to control body weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Metformin and Prediabetes
A study published in April 2019 in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine suggested that metformin alone may help people with prediabetes sustain their weight loss and lower their risk for type 2 diabetes.
The study found that among overweight and obese people with prediabetes who achieved 5 percent or more weight loss initially, the percentage who kept the weight off over time was greater among those taking metformin than those who made intensive lifestyle changes.
Could Metformin Be a Possible Lasting Solution for Weight Control?
Researchers tracked 3,234 people who had obesity or were overweight, and had elevated blood sugar levels. Researchers randomly selected them to receive either metformin, a placebo, or an intensive diet and exercise program.
During the first year, the lifestyle intervention patients lost the most weight. Yet investigators observed that the highest proportion of those who kept pounds off after 6 to 15 years was in the metformin group.
Weighing the Limitations of the Analysis on Metformin and Weight Loss
While the percentage who maintained weight loss at year 15 was greater in the metformin takers, the hard numbers were bigger for the lifestyle intervention participants. Also, the metformin and placebo groups received some educational training in exercise and dietary advice.
The study began with participants who were at risk of developing diabetes, so the data cannot be directly applied to treatment of patients with diabetes.