Metformin and Weight Loss

There is some indication that metformin and weight loss might go together, although it is not a quick fix for obesity. One study found it may take one to two years to see much change. The higher the BMI, the more effective the drug is for weight loss, though.Â

Metformin and Weight Loss – Does it Work?

It’s not clear why taking metformin might promote weight loss. One theory is it acts as an appetite suppressant. Another suggests that it changes the way the body stores fat.

Dosage

The dose will vary based on specific factors such as BMI and body weight. Generally, it is between 500 to 1,000 mg per day and does not exceed 2,500 mg per day. The dose may start small and increase over time, as well.

Side Effects

Nausea
Abdominal bloating
Gas
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Dizziness

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Darla Ferrara

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Darla Ferrara worked for years as an EMT and is now a full-time freelance writer who has created byline pieces for USAToday, Jillian Michaels, USARiseUP, New York Times -- About.com, Multibrief, MedCity News, LiveStrong, and AOL. She earned her Cardiac Arrest, Hypothermia, and Resuscitation Science Certification from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, her Nutrition for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Certification from the University of California, San Francisco, and her certification in Musculoskeletal Case Studies - Anatomy from Harvard Medical School.