Metformin Side Effects

Recent studies are showing signs of promise in the use of metformin for alternative purposes. While it is commonly used to treat diabetes, new studies have shown that it may help accelerate weight loss among non-diabetic individuals.

The reason metformin is being researched as a weight loss drug is due to its’ appetitive suppressing ability and its ability to lower insulin levels. Numerous people worldwide have noted the suppression of their appetite to be true. Some people have stated that they take a metformin pill ten to five minutes before they eat a meal. An overwhelming majority say that if they take a metformin pill before a meal that they will often eat less and feel fuller much earlier then they normally would have.

Insulin control is a more complex system. Many people are overweight simply because their body creates too much insulin. When insulin levels increase, the body responds by giving you a hungry feeling, thus leading to overeating and weight gain. Insulin also causes the liver to convert extra calories into fat cells, which are then stored in the belly, thigh and back regions of the body. Metformin lowers the insulin level in the body so that there is no hungry feeling as well as less fat being stored in the body.

Many studies have been targeted children, due to the large increase of cases of obesity. In a recent study conducted by the Cardiology Department of the Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, eighteen children were given a daily dose of metformin. After a twelve-week trial, researches noted that thirteen of the children had lost weight, one child stayed the same, and four gained weight. While the trial does not prove that metformin will help everyone lose weight, it does provide a glimmer of hope that it can help a large number of obese individuals lose weight. Further studies are being contact as we speak and when they are complete, their results will be updated so that the latest information about metformin can be provided.

Studies have found that metformin does have its limits. Foods that have high sugar levels will not help you lose weight. For example, taking metformin then eating two donuts is not going to help you lose weight. In reality, you will either stay the same or gain weight if you do not follow a healthy diet. For the best results, take a capsule of metformin ten or fifteen minutes before a meal. You can safely take two to three capsules a day.

Many drugs have adverse effects if taken with metformin so consult your doctor before taking metformin. It also should not be taken by athletes because it lowers performance by lowering the blood sugar levels. Some athletes have actually passed out because their blood sugar levels have dropped too low.  Metformin is looking to be very promising as a weight loss drug and has the potential to revolutionize how people lose weight in a safe manner.