{"id":53598,"date":"2022-09-08T23:08:15","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T03:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53598"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:25:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T14:25:58","slug":"metformin-weight-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metformin-weight-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Can metformin cause weight loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metformin is a commonly used medication to help lower and manage blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. Brand names of metformin include Glucophage, Fortamet, and Glumetza. The diabetes medicine <\/span>metformin<\/span><\/a> works by helping the body respond better to the insulin it makes naturally, decreasing the amount of glucose the liver makes, and decreasing the amount of glucose the intestines absorb.<\/span><\/p>\n

This prescription medication can help keep blood glucose levels (blood sugar) ( in the target range to prevent or delay long-term, serious health issues, such as heart disease (cardiovascular disease), vision loss, and kidney disease. Additionally, maintaining <\/span>blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a> can help improve energy and mood. Metformin is available as a tablet, extended-release tablet, and oral solution.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Does metformin cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Overweight and obesity raise the risk for Type 2 diabetes and losing weight may help prevent developing diabetes, according to the <\/span>American Diabetes Association<\/span>. Although metformin is not an FDA-approved weight loss drug, there is research suggesting metformin treatment may lead to a modest amount of weight loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to diabetic patients, a doctor may prescribe metformin for certain people that they think may benefit from it. Metformin may be prescribed <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for weight reduction in people at high risk for metabolic complications such as those who have <\/span>prediabetes<\/span><\/a>. Weight management is important when treating and preventing diabetes to reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health. Additionally, metformin may be prescribed off-label for weight gain associated with antipsychotic medications or <\/span>polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms<\/span><\/a> such as weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n

How much weight do you lose on metformin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a>, it was determined that metformin can be an effective drug to reduce weight in an outpatient setting in insulin-sensitive and <\/span>insulin-resistant<\/span><\/a> overweight and obese patients. Researchers found an average weight loss in the metformin-treated group after six months was 5.8\u2009kg (about 12.8 pounds). The observed weight loss in the metformin-treated patients was 10% or more in 16.2% of people and at least 5% in 47.4% of people.<\/span><\/p>\n

In <\/span>another study<\/span><\/a>, it was determined that metformin used in overweight or obese individuals with elevated fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance was associated with modest but durable weight loss. Additionally, the study determined that metformin therapy was safe and well-tolerated over many years. Study participants being treated with metformin started at a dose of 850 mg once per day and increased the dose within one month to 850 mg twice daily unless gastrointestinal symptoms warranted a longer titration period. The study found a mean weight change at one year of 2.7 kg (about 6 pounds) in the metformin group. Metformin\u2019s effects reduced the development of diabetes by 31% over an average of 2.8 years of follow-up. Weight loss was a strong predictor of diabetes prevention in both the metformin and placebo groups, with weight loss accounting for 64% of the metformin versus placebo effect on diabetes prevention. Additionally, metformin produced a highly significant reduction in waist circumference.<\/span><\/p>\n

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