Metformin and weight loss

[Bocci]

I've been taking 500 mg/day of metformin.  Just wondering if any of you have taken this, and if so, have you experienced any weight loss?

[wenz1987]

Hi Audrey - I started on Metphormin about 2 months ago,  up to 1000 mg daily.  Im not diabetic,  but my doctor prescribed it because I was gaining weight despite a decent diet and a ton of excercise.  She was thinking that perhaps my body wasnt doing what it was supposed to regarding insulin.  I havent lost any weight,  and getting pretty dejected over it. There are some days I actually excercise twice a day!  Eating lots of protein,  etc.   I'll give it another 30 days,  see what happens.  I hope it works for you!

[lauras22]

I'm 51 and have been on metformin for several years for type 2 diabetes.  It does help to regulate the period.  I was very irregular for years, had endometriosis and had been on the pill.  I stopped the pill over 5 years ago, gained a lot of weight and am somewhat surprised to hear that metformin is used for weight loss.   I still get my period but have missed a month here and there, peri-menapause? who knows.  Sorry I can't comment on weight loss.  I was on another T2 diabetes med that made me blow up.  I just got off that and have seen crazy fluctuations in my weight.  I lose and gain 2-3 lbs on a daily basis.  Hoping that will finally settle to a steady weight loss.

[rogers940]

Hi joyelane,

  I am 57 years old.  I had a period January of 2010, another in January of 2011, another in February of 2012 and the last in February of 2013 (with none in  between).  That was BEFORE I started taking Metformin.  I have been taken 1 in the morning and 2 inthe evening since April and have lost approximately 28 lbs.  I don't think having your period has anything to do with Metformin, you may wish to consult your gynecologist and have your hormone levels re-tested.  

[michelle247577]

I thank you so much for your honesty.

[kate85604]

I was prescribed Metformin 500 mg, to be taken twice or three times daily, to help with weight loss and cravings. I have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, with a fasting blood glucose of 101 and fasting insulin levels of 23 (should be <5 according to doctor). I am also on thyroid medication (Armour Thyroid) and Medrol and Florinef for adrenal fatigue.

I recently went on a low carb diet, but could not stand it. All that fat made me feel sick. I also found that diet very boring after a couple of weeks; only meat, fish, oil, butter, cream, cheese and low glycemic vegetables allowed. I ended up missing fresh fruit and berries,  starchy vegetables like carrots and chick peas and some nuts and almonds.

My question is: are fresh fruit, berries, beans, chick peas and nuts OK when you are trying to lose weight with Metformin? Or are you supposed to stay off all of these foods?

I need to lose 40-50 pounds according to my doctor.

Is there anyone else here with a thyroid/adrenal problem who needs to lose weight? It seems a double challenge with endocrine disease, even on optimal dosages of replacement hormones...

[rebekiah]

My story is a little different - I've been put on Metformin for weight loss and to help with the cravings I get from my psychiatric medication. I have bipolar disorder.  Does anyone else share this illness and if so, how successful has Metformin been for weight loss?