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Metformin is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s often prescribed alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise and is clinically proven to promote weight loss. Metformin is the active ingredient in medications such as Glucophage, Riomet, Glumetza, Glucophage XR, and Fortamet.
Metformin is a type of biguanide – a drug that reduces the amount of glucose your body absorbs from food. This is important for diabetics because reducing glucose absorption from food helps prevent blood sugar spikes, making it easier to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It does this in three ways:
By lowering the amount of glucose produced by your liver
By lowering the amount of glucose absorbed from the food you eat in your intestines
By helping your body use its natural insulin more effectively
Metformin was initially developed as a type 2 diabetes treatment but can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) prevention.
A healthcare provider may prescribe metformin to someone with a BMI of 30 or higher, a BMI of 27 or higher who has a condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, as weight loss is important for the management of these chronic conditions.
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Metformin may be prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes. It may also be suitable for adults with a chronic condition that requires weight loss.
If you are prescribed metformin and find that it’s not suitable for you, talk to your healthcare provider about other weight loss medications that may benefit you.
LifeMD is here to help you reach your weight loss goals in a safe and effective way. Be sure to accurately communicate your medical history with your healthcare provider to determine if metformin is a good option.
Note: This medication is not safe for:
Yes, metformin is generally considered safe for non-diabetics, but its effectiveness depends on the individual and the condition being treated. Healthcare providers may prescribe metformin off-label for weight loss, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) prevention, when clinically appropriate.
That said, if you’re considering metformin for a non-diabetic condition, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They will weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your medical history and monitor you for any adverse effects during treatment.
Metformin helps promote weight loss in several ways.
By decreasing the glucose levels produced in the liver, less glucose is converted into fat. When less glucose is converted into fat in the liver, the body is forced to use other sources of energy for fuel, such as stored fat or muscle tissue.
This leads to weight loss as the body burns through these energy reserves in order to maintain its daily functions. Additionally, by reducing the amount of glucose being stored as fat, there is less potential for weight gain and excess fat accumulation.
Metformin also suppresses appetite, which leads to weight loss. The medication increases the body’s sensitivity to certain hormones that signal hunger, and increased sensitivity typically results in feeling less hungry.
To reduce the chance of experiencing side effects, it’s best to take metformin with dinner. Metformin should be taken whole with a drink of water.
The effects of metformin typically become noticeable within 48 hours of taking the medication, but the most significant benefits will occur after four to five days of consistent dosing.
Just as with any drug, there may be some potential interactions between metformin and certain medications. While there isn’t a high risk of serious drug interactions with metformin, there are some medications that may cause negative responses in the body.
Known interactions have been caused by the following drugs:
Be sure to discuss the possibility of interactions with metformin and any medications or supplements with your healthcare provider to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
Metformin stays in your system for four days. Be sure to wait the appropriate time to start new medications after stopping metformin to avoid any potential interactions.
The cost of metformin varies depending on the pharmacy, but is typically between $13 to $22 for a supply of 100 tablets (without insurance).
While there are no specific foods that will affect meformin's effectiveness, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet.
Try to limit high-sugar and calorie-dense foods like candy, soda, and desserts as they can make blood sugar management harder and can contribute to weight gain.
Avoiding greasy foods and high-sodium can help minimize side effects like nausea, indigestion, and upset stomach.
Aim to consume healthier fats present in foods like lean chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and soy.
Although alcohol and caffeine have not shown to interfere with meformin’s mechanism, they may potentially alter blood sugar levels and lead to dehydration. So make it a point to limit your alcohol and caffeine intake.
The side effects of metformin are typically mild, and tend to be gastrointestinal. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, loss of appetite.
Be sure to contact your LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider if your side effects do not resolve or if you experience more severe side effects.
Yes! With LifeMD, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home within an hour. If appropriate, your provider may prescribe metformin and send it directly to your local pharmacy.
For even more flexibility, a LifeMD+ membership gives you 24/7 access to care, same-day prescription refills, exclusive wellness perks, and easy access to lab testing — all designed to make managing your health simple and stress-free.
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