Metformin was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. But today, it’s increasingly used to support weight loss and help maintain a healthy weight. In this article, you’ll learn how metformin can contribute to that process.
How Does Metformin Help with Weight Loss?
Research shows that metformin not only improves insulin sensitivity but also supports weight loss. This is mainly because metformin can reduce appetite, improve glucose metabolism, and positively influence gut health.
What Does the Research Show?
Clinical studies have found that metformin affects hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger. As a result, many people tend to eat less. One study showed that people taking metformin lost an average of 4 to 6 pounds more than those taking a placebo after six months. Metformin also helps the body use glucose more efficiently, reducing fat storage and making it easier to burn energy.
Impact on Gut Health
New research suggests that metformin can improve the composition of gut bacteria. This plays an important role in weight loss and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Metformin can support weight loss, but it’s not a miracle cure. The best results come when it’s combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. More research is needed to determine the ideal dosage for long-term use.
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Sources:
1. Apolzan, J. W., Venditti, E. M., Edelstein, S. L., Knowler, W. C., Dabelea, D., Boyko, E. J., … & Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. (2019). Long-Term Weight Loss With Metformin or Lifestyle Intervention in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(10), 682-690.
2. Yerevanian, A., & Soukas, A. A. (2019). Metformin: mechanisms in human obesity and weight loss. Current Obesity Reports, 8(2), 156-164.
3. Lv, Z., Guo, Y., & Xiang, D. (2020). Effects of Metformin on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 254.
