Metformin for weight loss?
 

Hi!

I heard that meformin aids weight loss. I have been taking generic metformin, but I haven't lost weight. Maybe it's the brand and dosage?

My doctor prescribed my met once a day, but another doctor told me to take twice daily at 500mg each.

Did anyone of you lose weight because of metformin? What brand did you use and at what dosage?

By the way, I'm diabetic that's why am taking met.

Yes, some people do lose weight. Improving glucose tolerance lessens fat deposition.

But it varies from person to person.

I've been on metformin twice. Lost weight both times. But after a couple of months, I would get so much cramping and diarrhea I couldn't stand it anymore. The second time I tried Glumetza as it is supposed to be easier...but I had the same old problem after a while with it too.

Hi Krizanti,

When I was first put on Metformin, it made me sick. Changed to the extended release form (Metformin ER) and it was much better tolerated. I have been on it for almost 7 years, taking 2000 mg per day, the max allowed. I have not lost a single pound from taking it. (Wish I had) During those 7 years, additional meds have been added. NONE have caused weight loss. Some have caused weight gain. Since my diet and activity level remained constant, and the only change was additional meds, I concluded that the meds caused the gain. Wish I could blame ALL of my excess weight on medication but only a very few pounds can I blame on scripts.

My pharmacy changes the manufacturer on occasion and I do see some differences. The most notable difference is the size of the pill itself. The effectiveness is also slightly variable between manufacturers.

Back to your question...... NO weight loss from any of the generic versions of the Metfomin ER that I have taken.

No weight loss for me as well.

Thank you for responding
 

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I now understand that not everyone loses weight with Glucophage. I haven't experienced bad side effects with Glucophage, except for diarrhea - but it only happened in the first 3 days and then everything was normal again. At first I thought that the medicine isn't effective because the side effect stopped.

I really want to lose weight so I modified my diet. I went on a 2-day fasting and then after that, I've maintained a low-calorie diet. I've lost 4 kilos in 1 month. I stopped taking glucophage now and I hope this is okay. I haven't seen my doctor lately, too.

But does anyone of you know if it's okay to stop taking medicines with a modified diet?

Really, I think you should have an evaluation at the doctor, before stopping your medication.

You need an evaluation of the A1C to see how you are doing.

Some people need the metformin even with some weight loss.

Hi Krizanti,

I am concerned that it appears you have taken yourself off of medication without consulting your doctor. Are you testing daily? Are your levels running in the normal range at all times without your medication?

When was your last appointment with your doctor? When was your last A1C?

Diabetes can be controlled by diet alone in some people but you need to be sure that you really are truly controlled with diet alone before stopping your medication. Diabetes can cause so many terrible problems, I would hate for you to have damage to your system needlessly.

Any reason you quit your meds?

I totslly agree with not taking meds if they are not needed, but want you to be "sure" they are not needed before you become your own doctor. Let us know how you are doing.

Hi Krizanti,
I also have to agree that it is not a good thing to get off any medicine regardless of any alternative measure you have taken. I would advise, being a layman and not any form of a doctor to call him/her and tell " your" doctor what choices you have made. It's better to be safe than to be sorry especially with medication. I wish you the best and hope you do not run into any problems. It's not the diet you have to be concerned about, stay on that, just don't stop the meds. Hope you see the positive and not a reprimand. These suggestions are all done in love and concern to hopefully help you. Hugs