Metformin Weight Loss Facts.

By Duane Gossard


Metformin is the brand name of Glucophage. Originally, Metformin was promoted to help obese patients with Type II diabetes lose weight quickly. Diabetes is dramatically improved once a patient is no longer obese. However, it was found that Metformin also helps non-diabetics lose weight, particularly if the use of Metformin is combined with an exercise program and a healthy diet.

Metformin works by modulating the amount of sugar in the blood stream. Essentially, it slows the absorption of sugar by the body's tissues and organs. Metformin diminishes the sugar produced by the liver too. In addition to these mechanisms, Metformin boosts the sensitivity of the tissues to insulin so it can better serve the body.

Metformin has also been used to treat mental disorders. Specifically, Metformin can help people trim down who have gained weight because of psychiatric medications. Redbook Magazine published research that determined eighty percent of the people who took Metformin lost ten percent of their body fat when following a low-carbohydrate diet. Some studies reveal that the majority of participants taking Metformin lost 30 pounds.

Insulin is what causes us to gain weight. What happens is, when we eat, glucose and other sugars pass from our digestive track into our bloodstream. Rising sugar in the blood triggers the liver to dump insulin into the circulatory system. Insulin then lowers the sugar. The lower blood sugar level is interpreted by the brain as hunger and we are then motivated to eat again.

To avoid weight gain, avoid the foods that spike blood sugar. These foods include most refined and processed carbohydrates such as breads, white sugar and corn syrup. Refined carbs start the yoyo blood sugar and insulin dance that makes the body store fat.

When we have eaten, the meal is broken down and sugar enters the intestines and then our blood, and then our liver. The liver then releases the sugar back into the bloodstream which triggers the pancreas to produce insulin to keep the blood sugar from rising high enough to damage nerve tissues, the kidneys and the heart.

Because insulin lowers the amount of glucose in the blood our brain thinks we are hungry. Naturally we want to eat when we feel hungry. But it was eating that dumped the sugar in the blood to begin with and triggered the pancreas to manufacture insulin which lowered the blood sugar. Here is where Metformin steps in to save the day. Metformin modifies the excess insulin so blood sugar does not drop so quickly. In other words, we don't feel hungry.

With all medications there are benefits and risks. Metformin is no different. It's imperative that you speak to your doctor before taking Metformin for weight loss. Only your doctor can help you make an informed decision about what is best for you in your situation. Remember, healthy is a matter of making healthy lifestyle choices.




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