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?

[Moonknightstar]

Not sure if you will get this.  But I am also diagnosied with PCOS.   I am on metformin.  The first time I took it I ended up taking 1000mg AM and 1000mg PM.  I lost 50 lbs.  I ate a very low carb diet.  Almost no carb for a few weeks then increased the carbs, but not more then 40 a day, and never in the form of refined sugar or White flour.  Then I got pregnant, something I never thought could happen - and due to the metforimin  I was able to conceive. Doctors dot know why it works on fertility, but it does in about 50% of PCOS cases.  I went off the meds and diet for the pregancy.  But I am back on it again and lost 12lbs this month - but am back on the low carb.  Look into diabetic diets and even Adkins Diet (what Im doing) if your colesterol is okay.  GOOD LUCK!!

[losingit377]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in January 2012. I have been on metformin 500mg twice a day and started to watch my carbs and I cut out my sugary drink (iced tea), In the first month alone I dropped 18.5 lbs. I was closely watching my carbs and eating a lot more salads and drinking water which I never really did.. I am so proud of the weight loss, I have a long way to go still but if I continue to eat like i am then I think I will continue to lose.. They say to eat 50-70 carbs per meal, I have kept my carbs on the low side, usually around 50 per meal.  I have never eaten 3 meals a day but I am now, but they are healthier than what I used to.  I cannot imagine that I am losing weight by eating more per day.. I never had believed this until I did it myself.
Also someone mentioned that the Depo shot usually causes weight loss, you are absolutely wrong.. The Depo shot causes weight GAIN, This is why my doctor did not want to give me it at first, she watched me closely and luckily it had no affect on me, if you truely want to lose weight, eat like a diabetic has to, google what is good for a diabetic and how to eat if you are a diabetic..... the diabetic diet works great, I'm living proof, to bad I wouldnt have figured this out before I was actually diabetic......good luck everyone

[kimbo1970]

I hve been on met for 10 yrs.5oo mg will help with craving for sweets but i suggest a low carb/high fat diet.  Im on 2000mg again to control my sugar.

good luck

[LMinHongKong123]

Please pick up and read this book immediately: Why We Get Fat (and what to do about it) by Gary Taubes. He's a highly respected Science journalist who explains why otherwise intelligent doctors have it so wrong when it comes to issues of weight and why we gain it. It's all about insulin and the carbs we eat...NOT CALORIES in or calories burned thru exercise. You are NOT crazy, your doctors ARE misinformed. The info in this book has changed the way I eat and, along with 1 week on Met, resulted in a 6 lb weight loss so far. Good luck, msesq, I completely relate to your post and can't wait to hear back from you soon...it will be good news, I'm sure. Good luck to all!!

[48ballerina]

I read through your post and I am fascinated by your story.  I am 49 and last February I was diagnosed hypothyroid then in April, was told I have Hashimotos.  My doctor put me on levothyroxine which was nasty, nasty and the endo' started me on Armour thyroid which is much better.  The so called depression that my own doctor thought I had (I refused antidepressants) completely lifted when I took Armour thyroid and I know it is because there is a link to the T3 in Armour thyroid - Levothyroxine is just T4.

Anyhow, I had initially gained 6 kg until my Hashimotos was diagnosed then since April last year, I have gained another 10kg, in spite of the fact that my bloods are within normal range and my energy levels are good.  I walk my dog for an hour and a half each day, I am careful with what I eat - no junk food and have always been a healthy eater.  At 1.68 (5'6) I was 57kg (126lbs - 'ish) and a UK size 8 - US size 2-6.  My weight is continuing to increase and I am absolutely desperate and COMPLETELY share your views on refusing to accept that you have to grow larger simply because of our age or whatever!!!  I don't buy new clothes - I just go around in my pyjamas!!  Crazy, I know!  I have stopped socialising and only go out in the car or to walk my dog for a good cardio workout and in the hope that combined with the Armour thyroid, my metabolism is kept moving!

Out of sheer desperation, I have bought glucophage and have been on it now for 2 weeks.  Side effects were mostly headaches but they are easing but so far, not an ounce has come off.  I am at the 2000mg dose and have loss of appetite and food tastes strange, yet I still have not started losing weight.

I'd be interested to know how you get on with metformin and would love to stay in touch.  Your attitude is very determined (like me) and I wish you all the luck in the world!!  :)

[kelliscarz]

Hi!
I am on metformin ER(extended release) 500mg 1x daily ( after supper). I have been taking it since December 2011, I have lost 30+ pounds, I was put on it for pre-diabetes.  I had a rough time with the diahrea and stomach pain. I can not tolerate pasta of any kind, anymore, I no longer eat alot of breads and have minimal potatoe type items.  It is even coming to the point that pizza is becoming hard to handle.  I used to snack all the time at night but no longer do so.  I have yet to start excersing but do find myself with much more energy. Exercising will be the next step.

When i started on metformin i weighed 250 lbs, cholestrol was 190, and my A1C was 7.0 with an average blood sugar of 151,  As of today my weight is 216, cholestrol is 175, A1C is 6.1 and average blood sugar is 112.

i have to be very careful about what I eat wether at home or eating out, very minimal carbs or else the diarhea sets in

Hope this helps!