Metformin for weight loss: general description of the drug, indications for use, effects on the body

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Metformin is a medicine in tablets that has a hypoglycemic effect. The drug is intended for the treatment of diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2, like Siofor.

Today you can find cases of using it not entirely for its intended purpose. Metformin is increasingly used as a means for rapid weight loss.

Due to its harmlessness and almost complete absence of side effects (when used correctly), it is gaining increasing popularity among those who want to get rid of extra pounds.

About the drug

Description of Metformin and its ability to lower sugar in animals was first described at the beginning of the last century. In the 40s They tried to use it as a drug to treat colds. And in the 50s. diabetologist Jean Stern began using it as a remedy for diabetes. Until the end of the 20th century, it was widely used under the trade name Glucophage.

In modern society, the remedy is well studied and is widely used for non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Metformin belongs to the biguanide family and is available for internal use in film-coated tablets. It has a minimal number of side effects and is well tolerated when used. Long-term and correct use of the drug allows a patient with impaired glucose metabolism to increase the duration and quality of life, preventing the development of cardiovascular pathology.

Contraindications for use

In order not to cause harm to the body, before taking the drug, patients undergo diagnostics to identify possible contraindications.
The medicine cannot be used for diseases such as:

• type 1 diabetes mellitus;
• insulin deficiency;
• anemia;
• injuries;
• renal and liver failure;
• recent surgery;
• exhaustion of the body;
• cardiac pathologies.

In the presence of chronic diseases, the possibility of taking the drug is considered by the attending physician.
The drug is contraindicated in children under 13 years of age, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The effects of Metformin on the body

The mechanism of action of this drug is based on the suppression of gluconeogenesis, i.e. the body’s ability to produce glucose. Metformin also has other properties:

• helps fat oxidation;
• participates in the formation of free fatty acids;
• increases tissue sensitivity to the action of insulin;
• improves cellular glucose utilization;
• reduces the ratio of bound and free insulin in the blood;
• prevents the absorption of glucose from the intestines;
• reduces the level of triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins;
• inhibits the synthesis of glucose from proteins and fats;
• reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
• reduces body weight.

After oral administration, Metformin is almost completely absorbed from the intestine into the blood; its maximum amount is observed 2.5 hours after consumption. Food intake has an inhibitory effect on the rate of absorption of the active substance. From the bloodstream, the drug is quickly distributed into tissues; its greatest accumulation is observed in the liver and kidneys. It is excreted unchanged in the urine. May accumulate if renal function is impaired.

To summarize, we can draw the following conclusions about the mechanism of action of Metformin. This tool:

• reduces the absorption and level of glucose in the blood;
• produces rapid oxidation of fats;
• helps reduce weight and remove fat deposits;
• helps improve sugar absorption by muscle fibers;
• reduces the production of active insulin;
• reduces the feeling of hunger.

The tablets have the following indications for use:

• treatment of diabetes mellitus;
• prediabetic state with impaired tissue tolerance to glucose;
• obesity;
• metabolic syndrome;
• scleropolycystic ovarian disease.

Results of taking pills

Before taking the drug, you should visit an endocrinologist and take a blood test that will help determine the concentration of glucose in the blood.
Only after the test results will the doctor be able to prescribe the exact dosage of the medicine. Many endocrinologists are against healthy people taking Metformin for weight loss. If a person is diagnosed with 2nd or 3rd degree obesity, then the drug is prescribed on an individual basis.

Obese patients who take the pill notice a weight loss of 5-10 kg within 20 days. During this period, the concentration of sugar in the bloodstream normalizes, the volume of the hips and waist decreases by 3-8 cm. But for this you need to eat right and exercise.

Drug for 2nd degree obesity.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you take the drug correctly, there are practically no side effects. But it should be used only when obesity is diagnosed; if the weight is normal or exceeds several kilograms, then there will be no benefit from taking it.

The main advantages of the drug are:

• affordability;
• safety;
• lack of teratogenic effect, even when taking doses 2-3 times higher than therapeutic;
• the ability to purchase without visiting a doctor (sold without a prescription);
• has an extensive evidence base;
• effectiveness has been tested in practice;
• does not provoke gene mutations and does not affect the ability to have children;
• helps get rid of symptoms of diabetes, excess weight, atherosclerosis and thrombosis;
• well tolerated;
• has no obvious complications;
• combined with other means, including fat-burning diet pills.

The disadvantages are as follows:

• intended for diabetics;
• has a number of contraindications that should be considered before use;
• does not show effectiveness in the fight against excess weight if you do not follow a diet;
• Long-term use is addictive.

The presence of a number of disadvantages of Metformin requires careful study of the instructions for use. Better yet, consult a nutritionist, endocrinologist or attending physician.

How to safely take metformin for weight loss? Instructions

If you decide to try taking metformin for weight loss, do it correctly and safely.

• First, be aware that metformin will not cause dramatic weight loss and will likely not work at all without changing the lifestyle that led to the weight gain.
• Secondly, during use it is advisable to monitor kidney function and blood sugar levels. To do this, you need to purchase a glucometer at the pharmacy and learn how to measure your sugar level yourself. You can take measurements 1-2 times a week. You may find this article useful: How to measure your blood sugar levels with a glucometer yourself - instructions. Kidney function can be monitored using a general urine test, which must be taken once every 3-4 months.

Scientific research into the effects of metformin on weight loss

Next, consider the results of three scientific studies on the effect of metformin on weight loss, published on the authoritative medical portal PubMed and in the specialized journal Bariatric Times.

The effectiveness of metformin for the treatment of obesity has been evaluated in various clinical trials, which have shown mixed results. Moreover, the effectiveness of the drug in outpatient settings and in real life has not been tested to date.

In this study, we aimed to examine the extent of the effects of metformin on insulin resistance in obese and overweight patients.

We treated 154 patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 in an outpatient setting for 6 months. The dosage of metformin was 2,500 mg per day. In addition, 45 patients who did not take this drug participated in the experiment. The patients' weight was monitored for 6 months. Before starting metformin treatment, insulin sensitivity was tested in all patients.

The average weight loss over six months in the metformin group ranged from 5.8 to 7.0 kg. (by 5.6-6.5%). In the group not taking metformin, weight decreased, on average, from 0.8 to 3.5 kg. (0.8-3.7%) Patients with severe insulin resistance lost significantly more weight compared to patients who were more insulin sensitive. The percentage of weight loss does not depend on age, gender or BMI.

For the study, non-diabetic patients aged 18-65 years and a body mass index of 35-50 were selected. The effect of 6 months of drug treatment with metformin (850 mg, twice daily) or rosiglitazone (4 mg, twice daily) on possible changes in body weight, body fat, blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism was studied.

Significant weight loss and reduction in body fat mass were found after taking metformin (-9.7 / - 1.8 kg and -6.6 / - 1.1 kg), as well as rosiglitazone (-11.0 / - 1.9 kg and -7.2 /- 1.8 kg) in each group of subjects.

Patients taking Rosiglitazone tablets experienced a significant decrease in blood sugar concentrations and insulin levels, as well as an increase in insulin sensitivity. In contrast, metformin had no significant effect on blood glucose concentrations, insulin levels, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA). There were no side effects after taking these drugs.

Study 3: “Insulin resistance and metformin use: effects on body weight” (published in the medical journal Bariatric Times. 2011; 8(1):10–12).

It was concluded that metformin is a widely used drug for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. At the same time, for the prevention of diabetes, taking metformin was not as effective as the traditional standard - lifestyle changes.

Metformin truly remains the cornerstone of therapy for diabetes and is often used as the drug of first choice. Overall, metformin appears to have a neutral effect on body weight, with some evidence of a small effect on weight loss. Metformin appears to slow weight gain that may be caused by other agents used to treat diabetes.

Summary:

1. Metformin is not a panacea for weight loss. This drug may not be suitable for you, but diet and exercise will be much more beneficial.
2. Research shows that metformin tablets can be used for weight loss, although the results may be little or no at all if there are other objective factors influencing the weight loss process.
3. You need to lose weight with metformin wisely. It is recommended to take home blood sugar measurements 1-2 times a week, and also take a general urine test every 2-4 months to monitor kidney function.

Diet, sports and thoughts are the main components of the weight loss process, and pills are only an additional component, which you can often do without. Direct indications for the use of metformin for weight loss can only be associated with the presence of obesity due to diabetes mellitus. If you don’t have diabetes, but losing weight with pills is psychologically more comfortable, then you can do this too, but be sure to follow all the rules.

Method of administration

Having decided to take metformin for weight loss, you need to clearly understand how this is done correctly - in what doses and according to what schedule. Do not forget that the tablets were originally intended for patients with metabolic syndrome or diabetes, therefore the instructions for use were developed by the manufacturer taking into account pathological changes in the body.

Thus, treatment for a child over 13 years of age and an adult begins with 500 and 850 mg, respectively, taken with dinner or at night. To avoid adverse reactions, the dose is increased gradually - every 1-2 weeks by 500-850 mg. The recommended dosage for patients is 1500 mg/day, taken in 2–3 doses, the maximum is 1700 mg/day according to the same dosage regimen. To prevent obesity in diabetes mellitus, you need to take 200 mg/day.

If a healthy person takes metformin for weight loss, the dosage should not exceed 1000 mg/day. You need to take the tablets according to the following scheme:

• 500 mg during or after breakfast and dinner;
• The tablet is swallowed whole (can be broken into 2 parts to make it easier to swallow) with water.

This dose is considered completely safe and minimizes the likelihood of adverse reactions. As the dosage increases, the weight loss effect will be greater, but it may be accompanied by unpleasant painful symptoms and a significant deterioration in well-being.

If well tolerated, the dose can be increased to 1500 mg/day - 500 mg with breakfast, lunch and at night. In the first 3 days of use, nausea and slight dizziness may occur, which is caused by a sharp decrease in blood glucose levels. If adverse reactions persist for 2 weeks, the tablets should be discontinued.

Some bodybuilders increase the dose of the drug to 2000–3000 mg/day, which is 2–3 times higher than the permitted limit for healthy people. Before taking metformin, they inject insulin intramuscularly to reduce the aggressive effects of such large doses of the drug. But this weight loss scheme is extremely dangerous. In addition, insulin neutralizes the desired effect of the pills, making them inappropriate to take.

The essence of the “metformin” diet is to exclude several categories of high-calorie foods from the diet:

• sugar-containing, flour;
• starchy or sweet vegetables and fruits (including potatoes, beets, carrots, bananas, grapes);
• white rice, instant cereal;
• fatty meat (pork, waterfowl).

Unlike other methods, the diet when taking metformin for weight loss does not prohibit the consumption of salt. It can be added to dishes, but in moderation.

The list of permitted products includes:

• buckwheat, brown rice, lentils;
• vegetables and fruits (except prohibited ones);
• fish, seafood;
• chicken, turkey, rabbit meat;
• kefir, cottage cheese.

The calorie content of the daily diet should be in the range of 1000–1200 kcal.

It should be borne in mind that taking these tablets often causes stomach upset, so in order to avoid dehydration, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of liquid - at least 2 liters. It is better to give preference to pure still water, green tea and herbal infusions. You need to drink any drinks 20 minutes before meals (this will reduce appetite) and 40–60 minutes after meals.

Admission rules

Experts believe that the optimal dosage for weight loss should be 500 mg immediately before meals, immediately after or during meals, 3 times a day. The same amount of the drug should be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The duration of the fat burning course is no more than 18–20 days. After this, you should take a break for -2 months to prevent addiction and loss of effectiveness.

If side effects appear during treatment, then you need to reduce the dosage to 1 dose per day (it is best to do this in the evening, during dinner) and continue this for a week. Then add 1 more dose for the next 7 days, at lunch. In the third week, you can use the original recommended dose. The highest daily dose should not exceed 2000 mg.

To make the process more comfortable, a number of rules should be followed:

• follow a calorie-restricted diet (no more than 1200 kcal/day, but do not starve);
• exclude easily digestible carbohydrates and sugar from the diet (they can cause diarrhea when taken);
• do not drink alcohol;
• flatulence and discomfort in the intestinal area can be relieved with Simethicone and Activated Carbon;
• simultaneously engage in aerobic exercise;
• Before the first use, you should not use 500 mg of the drug at a time; the maximum permissible single dose is Metformin 850.

The use of metformin for weight loss

Of course, metformin can be used for weight loss, but no one guarantees a positive effect. Here, for example, is a review from a woman who gained weight during menopause , after which she began taking metformin for weight loss:

“As a postmenopausal woman, I gained a lot of weight during the year I worked for the UN office in Afghanistan. After taking metformin at a dosage of 1650 to 2000 mg per day, I lost almost 10 kg in six months. I took metformin and followed a low carb diet (within reason). I am still taking this drug and my weight remains stable. Additionally, my blood pressure dropped in a year from 150/85 to 130/80 without any medications. Metformin also plays a role in preventing breast cancer, so that's a good reason to keep taking it."

This review of a woman who lost weight using metformin can be questioned, like many reviews on the Internet, because The weight loss effect may have been achieved due to the low-carbohydrate diet, and not due to taking metformin.

Metformin is the drug of first choice for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes , and it is also used to prevent the development of diabetes in patients with prediabetes, which is diagnosed when the level of glycosylated hemoglobin is between 5.7 and 6.4%.

Metformin is a valuable treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes due to its high efficacy, low risk of hypoglycemia, few side effects, ease of use and low cost. In addition, metformin has a beneficial effect on weight loss in type 2 diabetes, and possibly in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as well as in obesity without diabetes.

The main indication for taking metformin is type 2 diabetes. Therefore, most of the understanding of the effects of metformin on weight loss has been gained from studies of patients with type 2 diabetes, rather than healthy people.

The mechanism of action of metformin is unique compared to other glucose-lowering drugs. Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production, reduces intestinal glucose absorption, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing muscle glucose uptake. Metformin tablets promote weight loss through the loss of fat tissue, and not as a result of increased energy expenditure, as happens with intense physical activity.

Side effects and overdose

During use, side effects occur infrequently, especially if dosage and nutritional recommendations are followed. But sometimes the following symptoms develop:

1. Digestive disorders. Often occurs at the beginning of biguanide treatment. Nausea, metallic taste in the mouth, vomiting, colic occur, and gas formation in the intestines increases. Rarely, liver dysfunction may occur (drug-induced hepatitis), which goes away almost immediately after stopping use.
2. Diarrhea. It happens when you abuse sweets and easily digestible carbohydrates. It stops after adjusting the diet.
3. Disruption of metabolic processes and accumulation of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis). This condition is dangerous and occurs when there is an overdose of the drug. Symptoms of sudden weakness, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, hypothermia and seizures are the first signs of this disorder.
4. Allergic reaction (rash, urticaria, itchy skin).
5. Impaired absorption of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) and the development of megaloblastic anemia.
6. Transient headache.
7. Decrease in testosterone in men.

Numerous studies prove that Metformin is not dangerous when used in therapeutic doses, but there is a risk of negative symptoms. They develop extremely rarely, and this fact is confirmed by scientific research. From the gastrointestinal tract, everything goes away after reducing the dose and adjusting the diet.

Side effects of Metformin

But do not forget that this is a drug that acts on metabolic processes. Therefore, you need to strictly follow the proposed dosage regimen, this will allow you to get a positive result and prevent the development of negative symptoms.

How to use Metformin for weight loss?

It is strictly contraindicated to use Metformin without consulting a doctor.

The tablet must be swallowed completely with plenty of clean water. According to the instructions, the initial dosage should be 500 mg per day. The maximum you can use is 2-3 grams. The best time to use the tablets is before bed. Increasing the dosage should be a gradual process. If large doses are taken immediately, gastric dysfunction and digestive system disorders are inevitable. Symptoms of overdose at the initial stage include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Application scheme:

• For the first seven days, the medicine is taken once a day, 500 mg;
• Gradually the dosage is increased to 850-1000 mg and divided into two doses;
• If your metabolism is unstable and you are simultaneously using a dosage of 2000 mg per day, you will have to use insulin in parallel;

A specialist will help you choose a regimen. It depends on the individual indicators of the human body. The sugar content has a particular influence on increasing the dosage.

To avoid harming your own health, always listen to the recommendations of specialists. Do not try to solve your problems with excess weight with medication on your own.

Contraindications

The use of Metformin is not indicated in the following cases:

• the presence of metabolic acidosis;
• diabetic ketoacidosis;
• state of precoma and coma in a diabetic;
• impaired renal function, liver and failure of these organs;
• severe dehydration;
• severe infectious disease;
• acute surgical pathology;
• severe hypoglycemia;
• age over 60 years (there is a possibility of developing acidosis);
• hard physical labor;
• all acute and chronic conditions leading to oxygen deficiency in tissues (cardiovascular or respiratory failure);
• conducting contrast research methods with an iodine-containing substance (CT, urography, angiography);
• preparation for surgery and 2 more days after it;
• alcohol intoxication and alcohol dependence;
• sensitization to the active substance and additional components of the drug.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended, since Metformin has the ability to penetrate the placental barrier and is found in breast milk. There is no scientific evidence yet of the safety of the product for the mother, fetus and newborn child. If absolutely necessary, the drug can be prescribed by a doctor if the benefits of its use in a pregnant woman are not lower than the probable risk of developing negative effects.

The following points should be taken into account during treatment:

1. When using this drug for a long time, it is necessary to check the condition of your kidneys at least 2 times a year, and if muscle pain occurs, immediately consult a doctor.
2. In combination with sulfonylurea or insulin, biguanide can cause a sharp decrease in glucose and the development of coma. Therefore, you need to constantly monitor your blood sugar concentration.
3. During treatment you should completely abstain from drinking alcohol.

Action of Metformin

This drug contains metformin chloride. It promotes rapid oxidation of fatty acids and slower absorption of carbohydrates, thus reducing the level of glucose and cholesterol in the blood, thereby burning fat and reducing appetite, which helps fight obesity.

However, Metformin will be most effective for people who constantly adhere to a certain diet, because... If you randomly consume sweets and flour products while using the drug, sudden changes in blood sugar levels can have a detrimental effect on your well-being: cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and general weakness.

What results can be achieved?

You can expect different results while using the medicine. Weight loss will occur only if you combine the intake with a diet that reduces the amount of calories and fast carbohydrates. At the same time, you should do exercises in the fresh air. If all the rules are followed, excess body weight due to the fat layer disappears, and the muscles become stronger and increase in volume.

Lack of results is observed in people with normal and reduced body weight when using tablets in insufficient dosage. You should not expect to lose weight if physical activity remains minimal and there are no dietary restrictions.

Study of the effect of Metformin on patients

Nutritional considerations during use

To lose weight and get your body in shape, you need to adjust your diet.
While taking the pills, the menu includes protein and plant foods:

• fish;
• eggs;
• lean meats;
• vegetables;
• greenery.

Vegetables and herbs are recommended for consumption.
Products to exclude:

• bakery;
• sweets;
• potatoes and products containing starch;
• instant cereals, soups;
• sweet fruits (bananas, grapes);
• pasta.

It is necessary to reduce salt intake.
Every day the diet should contain a sufficient amount of liquid (minimum 1.5 l):

• mineral water;
• green tea;
• unsweetened fruit drinks;
• clean water.

The liquid should be drunk before meals, then wait 30 minutes.
While taking the drug, you must monitor the daily caloric intake of foods: it should not exceed 2000 kcal.

Include green tea in your diet.

Metformin-based drugs and their cost

If you go to a pharmacy and ask for this remedy, the pharmacist can offer many drugs containing a similar substance. Many people are interested in what is best to choose for weight loss and what the price is. Let's consider the main types of biguanides present in the assortment:

1. Siofor. Produced in Germany. The average price for it is 250 rubles. per package. Available in 500, 850 and 1000 mg.
2. Metformin-Teva (Israel). Available in the same dosages, prices range from 87 to 303 rubles.
3. Metformin-Richter (RF). Tablets of 500 and 850 mg. The cost ranges from 169 to 264 rubles.
4. Metfogamma (Germany). Available in 3 dosages, the average price is 115–350 rubles.
5. Glucophage (France). It has dosages of 500, 850 and 1000 mg, costs from 113 to 318 rubles. The same company produces Glucophage-long, which is slowly absorbed and acts throughout the day, in doses of 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g. Its price ranges from 300 to 700 rubles.

The dosage regimens are the same, regardless of the manufacturer. For weight loss with an excess weight of 10 kg, it will be enough to use 500 mg of the product, 3 times a day. For obesity of 10 to 15 kg, you can take 850 mg, and the maximum dosage of 1 g is required for excess fat of more than 15 kg. But it is best to start treatment for the first time with a minimum dose and gradually increase it to the maximum. When asked which drug is better, you can note the product from Teva, judging by the reviews, it causes the least number of complications and gives a positive result.

How does metformin work?

This substance itself is the only one of all oral antidiabetic drugs that is approved for use in children, since it is produced from natural plant materials. In addition to type II diabetes, these tablets are used to treat fatty liver of non-alcoholic etiology and are currently being tested as a means of cancer prevention.

The mechanism of action of this substance on the process of weight loss is due to its ability to influence peripheral insulin resistance. With excess body weight, a decrease in sensitivity to insulin almost always develops, a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and delivers glucose inside the cells.

When the perception of insulin by cells is disrupted and glucose does not penetrate into them, the pancreas increases insulin production, which increases its level in the blood. Because of this, lipid metabolism deteriorates and fat begins to be intensively deposited in reserves. The causes of cell resistance to insulin can be very different, but most often it is caused by excessive consumption of fast carbohydrates.

Metformin reduces insulin resistance and returns cells to their natural state. As a result, they begin to regularly absorb glucose, which normalizes insulin synthesis and stops the deposition of fat reserves.

In addition to these properties, this substance has a number of positive effects that promote weight loss:

• accelerates chemical reactions for the oxidation of fatty acids;
• reduces the absorption of carbohydrates that enter the digestive tract;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• slows down the production of glucose by the liver;
• stimulates the breakdown of lipids.

In addition, the substance gives a weak accompanying effect – decreased appetite. This is what most of those who start taking the drug for the purpose of losing weight rely on. However, this anorexigenic effect is so weakly expressed that it is practically not felt. Therefore, the use of pills to eliminate hunger is unjustified.

American doctors conducted a series of experiments to determine the effects of metformin on weight loss. About 2,000 volunteers took part in it, divided into 3 groups, each of which led a different lifestyle for 2 years:

• members of the first group ate properly and actively exercised (3 times a week), without taking any pills;
• members of the second group took a placebo and led a normal life without using additional weight loss methods;
• members of the third also led the life of an ordinary average person and took metformin pills for weight loss.

The second group had the lowest result – they lost an average of 0.5 kg. In the third group, weight loss on tablets was about 2 kg. The members of the first group who led a healthy, active lifestyle lost the most weight – they lost 5–6 kg.

The results of an experiment by American scientists showed that metformin does not work for weight loss without proper diet and exercise. Exceptions are, of course, possible. Some people with very large body weights lose 3–7 kg per week during the first months of taking the drug. However, as you lose weight without further additional efforts (severe restrictions on diet and physical activity), this effect disappears.

Analogs

Biguanide is also included in other medicines. The following domestic products are analogues of Metformin:

• Formetin;
• Novoformetin;
• Merifatin;
• Bagomet.

Among the foreign analogues, the following tablets can be noted:

• Sophamet;
• Metfogamma;
• Nova Met;
• Formin Pliva.

Before choosing a weight loss product, you must carefully study the instructions. The pharmacy may sometimes offer other tablets that are also glucose-lowering, but do not promote weight loss. Biguanide is also included in a number of drugs that contain other active substances. This increases the list of contraindications and side effects, but is not suitable for weight loss.

Price and analogues

The cost of Metformin may vary. In pharmacies you can find drugs that cost 50-3000 rubles. There are many options for tablets of this drug. The doctor will prescribe the right medicine for each patient separately, focusing on his health and other factors.

Analogues of the drug are found everywhere, but their price is higher. The action of analogues and Metformin is almost the same, but the cost is different. Why pay more for a medicine when you can buy it cheaper.

Analogues:

1. Siofor;
2. Glucophage;
3. Metfogamma;
4. Formetin;
5. Hexal.

So what should you eat to lose weight: experts' answers to the eternal question. Find out soon and start eating right so that within a month you can change your entire wardrobe to smaller clothes. And here you will find a list of effective weight loss products that are sold in pharmacies. However, be careful when taking medications and consult your doctor.

Read about the benefits and harms of bee death here. It turns out that they can treat various diseases.

Proper nutrition

An important aspect when losing weight while taking Metformin is to review your diet. If a person is unable to limit himself in food and continues to consume sweets and fatty foods, then in this case the use will not have the desired result. But this will increase the likelihood of intestinal problems.

The diet during treatment contains a number of mandatory rules:

• complete refusal of sweets;
• if an unpleasant aftertaste appears, the dosage is halved;
• You should drink 2 liters or more of water per day;
• do not drink alcohol;
• do not use fasting days; the consequences of fasting while taking medications can be severe;
• It is mandatory to count daily calories;
• when you feel hungry, you can snack on vegetables or fruits;
• You should eat small portions up to 5 times a day;
• products are prepared by boiling, baking or stewing; fried foods are excluded in this case;
• men are recommended to use more dietary meat, and women to consume vegetables, fruits and berries.

If you wish, you can contact a nutritionist, and he will write a menu low in calories and carbohydrates, taking into account the individual characteristics of a person (gender, age, weight, physical activity). While taking the pills, proper nutrition will allow you to quickly and effectively get rid of extra pounds.

Reviews from doctors about the use of metformin for weight loss

review of metformin ; he believes that metformin suppresses hunger and that not all metformin analogues act the same:

“Taking metformin has some additional benefits - it reduces the incidence of cancer and suppresses the hunger hormone ghrelin , thereby reducing the tendency to overeat. However, in my experience, not all metformin analogues are equally effective. I always prescribe Glucophage, although it is somewhat more expensive than its analogues” (Diabetes Soluton, 4 edition. Page 249).

Here's what Elena Malysheva says about the use of metformin: