Studies have found that metformin can help with weight loss, especially for those who are overweight and at risk for diabetes.
Metformin is often the first medication doctors recommend for type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar by improving how the body uses insulin.
Many people taking metformin also lose weight. This makes it helpful for those who are overweight or at risk for diabetes. While the FDA hasn’t approved metformin for weight loss, some doctors prescribe it off-label for this purpose. It may also help prevent diabetes in high-risk individuals.
Doctors aren’t exactly sure how metformin causes weight loss, but they believe several factors play a role. One key way is by reducing appetite. Metformin boosts hormones that help lower hunger levels.
It also reduces how much glucose the liver makes, which may lower the need for insulin. In addition, it improves insulin sensitivity, so the body uses insulin more effectively. Metformin may also change the gut microbiome, which supports digestion.
Metformin may lead to modest weight loss or help prevent weight gain. However, it’s not as powerful as newer drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide.
In one study of over 3,000 people, participants lost an average of 5.5 pounds with metformin. About one-third lost at least 5% of their body weight after one year. Over 15 years, weight loss reached up to 6.2%.
Metformin can support your health goals, but it works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Researchers have found that metformin may help the body produce a molecule linked to intense physical activity. This molecule is known for suppressing appetite and may contribute to weight loss.
Metformin is widely used to treat diabetes, but it also shows potential for supporting moderate weight loss. Experts believe it works through several mechanisms, including appetite control.
They also emphasize that regular exercise plays a key role in enhancing metformin’s weight loss effects.
Being overweight is a complex issue that often needs several treatments. These may include changes in diet, regular exercise, medication, and behavior programs.
Doctors define overweight as having a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Obesity starts at a BMI of 30 or higher.
After a full evaluation, healthcare providers may prescribe metformin for individuals who are overweight.
In one study of non-diabetic obese adults, those taking metformin lost an average of 5.8 kg (about 13 pounds). In contrast, the group taking a placebo gained weight.
