Expert's opinion
Currently, obesity in the United States affects nearly 42% of adults and almost 20% of children[1] and accounts for $147 billion in annual healthcare costs. It is one of the leading causes of a variety of obesity-related conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).[2]
As individuals question how long it takes to lose weight, the use of antidiabetic drugs, like metformin, is being considered to achieve these goals. Although primarily used to stabilize blood sugar levels[3] in those with type 2 diabetes, those without diabetes may also benefit from this medication. Thus, understanding the mechanism behind this drug can lead to not only knowing the best time of day to take metformin for weight loss, but to also achieve the results you are looking for while saving money.
When Is The Best Time Of Day To Take Metformin For Weight Loss?
The best time to take metformin is typically with your first and last meal of the day. This is because the maximum dose of 2500mg is best divided into multiple doses as opposed to taking it all at once. Dividing the doses also limits GI tract side effects that are often experienced with metformin. Although metformin is not FDA-approved for weight loss, it may offer some benefits in this indication.
Best Time To Take Metformin For Weight Loss
Metformin is an FDA-approved drug[4] used to control high blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing glucose production, lowering the intestinal absorption of glucose, and increasing the efficiency of cell uptake of insulin. In turn, this decreases insulin resistance, which leads to lower blood sugar levels. It comes in both standard and extended-release tablets and its dosages can range from 500 mg to 2550 mg in adults and up to 2000 mg in children.
When it comes to understanding the best time to take metformin for weight loss, it is important to time the doses based on meals. Due to some of the gastrointestinal side effects of the medication, it is crucial for those taking metformin to administer it with food.
Typically metformin is prescribed two to three times a day with at least a morning and evening meal. The dose will start out low and gradually increase to its maximum tolerable dosage. There might be different dosages implemented based on whether it is being taken for weight loss or type 2 diabetes.
Can People Without Diabetes Take Metformin?
After now understanding the best time of day to take metformin for weight loss, you may be wondering if those without diabetes can be prescribed metformin.
Although metformin is a medication used for those with diabetes, there have been studies indicating that non-diabetics have also benefited from weight loss. However, it should be understood that if a healthcare professional does prescribe metformin for weight loss, it will be done as an off-label use.
One research study[5] showed the effectiveness of weight loss by giving participants that had a body mass index of at least 27 up to 2500 mg daily doses of metformin for six months. They excluded anyone who already had diabetes, impaired glucose, or was already taking metformin or another antidiabetic drug. Researchers found that the participants in the metformin-treated group lost up to about 15 pounds during the study.
In another study,[6] although they did use individuals diagnosed with diabetes, researchers found an improvement in weight loss in patients who had doses greater than 1000 mg per day. Therefore, metformin has been shown to help reduce body weight and may be an option for those who lose the extra pounds and control blood sugar.
How Does Metformin Cause Weight Loss?
The mechanism behind metformin and weight loss addresses insulin sensitivity.[7] Insulin is a hormone that influences energy metabolism and storage through its effect on the uptake of glucose and funneling it into cells for energy utilization. Whenever glucose molecules are not used for energy, they are stored as fat and ultimately cause weight gain and an increase in blood glucose levels.
In addition, there is growing evidence that metformin may have a positive effect[8] on the gut microbiome. This can lead to less liver production of glucose molecules, less fatty acid release, and appetite suppression.
Furthermore, metformin can have an effect in lowering the effects of aging on the body through combating obesity. It may also assist in decreasing other obesity-related diseases, sleep apnea, metabolic bone disease, osteoarthritis, and thromboembolism.
Most people who are obese or overweight have insulin resistance that results in weight gain and high blood sugar levels. Therefore taking metformin leads to less insulin resistance, improved insulin sensitivity, and better utilization of glucose for energy. This not only causes a decrease in blood glucose levels but also leads to sustainable weight loss in individuals who are obese, even without diabetes.
Metformin Side Effects
Metformin is generally well-tolerated, but some people may exhibit certain side effects[8] especially when starting metformin. Patients frequently experience gastrointestinal side effects. These include diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, flatulence (farting), indigestion, and stomach pain. These adverse effects typically lessen the longer you are on metformin which is why physicians recommend starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing.
Other effects to be aware of include low blood sugar, lightheadedness, sweating, skin rashes, metallic taste, and reduced appetite.
In addition, a rare but serious complication that might occur is lactic acidosis which is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated lactic acid levels, low blood pH, and electrolyte disturbances. This can lead to serious heart, lung, and stomach problems.
It is essential to report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor. Furthermore, to minimize these side effects experienced with metformin, it is going to be to your advantage to take with food and to take as prescribed.
Conclusion
Metformin, although not approved for weight loss, can actually be a benefit for obese and overweight people. It can offer an inexpensive and possibly practical way to lose weight while implementing lifestyle changes. Being able to utilize a healthy lifestyle intervention will allow you to sustain your weight loss even if you eventually stop metformin.
Of course starting healthy habits such as drinking water, determining how many carbs per day to eat, and how much cardio you should do, will help enhance the weight loss benefits of metformin. In addition, looking into alternative resources such as herbs for weight loss and implementing how to eat flax seeds might also aid in acquiring results.
Be sure to talk to a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet and supplementation to ensure they do not interact with your already prescribed medications. This could cause metformin side effects to increase or decrease the benefits seen. Although regular exercise is important for overall health, consider how to lose weight fast without exercise while taking metformin if not able to perform any physical activity.
It is important to remember that all antidiabetic drugs used for weight loss, especially metformin are prescription medications and need to be prescribed by a healthcare professional. In order to achieve the best benefits it is crucial to also have a weight loss plan for guidance. Do not stop taking metformin or change your dose unless told to do so by your doctor especially if already on it for type 2 diabetes.
The side effects of metformin can pose a challenge to those taking the medication. However, if taken with food and taking the extended release tablet formulation of metformin, this can lessen the stomach side effects that may be experienced. If any other worse adverse effects are felt with the drug, it is best to stop taking and talk with your doctor.
Metformin may be an unconventional weight loss drug, but it can also be beneficial for those without diabetes that are looking to lose excess weight. A bonus will be less stress in your pockets as well which will end up saving you money in the long-run. If you’re wondering when the best time to take metformin for weight loss is, consider speaking to your medical provider today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metformin is not used directly for weight loss. The speed at which you lose weight is dependent upon maintaining a healthy diet, tracking progress, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
Studies concluded that between 1000 mg and 2500 mg saw the most improvement in weight loss. However, due to gastrointestinal side effects of the medication, you must slowly increase to a tolerable dose.
Metformin’s weight loss effects may vary and it can be seen from weeks to months. Individual results will also vary especially if combined with a weight loss plan which includes a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Metformin typically has no effect on sleep. However, some gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or diarrhea could disrupt sleep if experienced at night.
