Does taking metformin help you lose weight? – Your Health

Metformin is not used to lose weight, however it can help in the weight loss process because it controls the amount of glucose in the blood over time, that is, it helps to gradually release sugar in the body, controlling hunger between meals and promoting weight loss.

In addition to balancing the amount of sugar in the blood, metformin also regulates the production of leptin, which is a hormone responsible for satiety, helping to reduce the amount of food eaten and indirectly contributing to weight loss. However, metformin should only be taken under the guidance of an endocrinologist.

What is metformin for?

Metformin is a medication that helps control the amount of sugar in the blood, and is only indicated for the treatment of type 1, type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Understand better what metformin is, when it is indicated and side effects.

Despite not being the most effective and recommended medication for weight loss, some studies show that metformin can help with weight loss, not only for those with type 1, type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary, but also for those who are overweight or obese. Find out everything about diabetes.

It is important to highlight that the benefits of metformin to help you lose weight occur mainly when this medication is associated with a balanced diet, rich in fiber, adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, in addition to physical activity.

How to lose weight healthily

As metformin is not a medication recommended for weight loss, it is recommended to use other effective ways to lose weight.

Some strategies to help you lose weight healthily are:

• Follow a balanced diet: a varied intake of fruits and vegetables, with adequate amounts of healthy fats such as olive oil, lean proteins such as fish and chicken, a low intake of carbohydrates such as bread and pasta, and a low intake of foods such as ice cream and sweets, are essential to help in weight loss. See how to follow a healthy diet to lose weight.
• Practice physical activity: Physical exercises, when practiced regularly and with guidance from a specialized professional, help to lose calories and contribute to the weight loss process. Discover some physical exercises that help you lose weight.
• Maintain a regular sleeping habit: getting a good night’s sleep helps regulate the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which are responsible for controlling hunger, contributing to weight loss. Understand how sleep helps you lose weight.
• Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water per day: drinking 500 ml of water 30 minutes before meals helps fill the stomach, reducing hunger and promoting weight loss. Find out more about how drinking water helps you lose weight.

For weight loss to be effective, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle and eating habits. Following a personalized diet guided by a nutritionist and practicing physical activity, supervised by a specialized professional, are essential for weight loss and well-being.