Metformin is a prescription medication that lowers blood sugar. Originally designed for people with Type 2 diabetes, metformin can be used as weight loss aid for non-diabetics. There is no set diet plan that must be followed with metformin; however if you are using the medication as a weight loss tool, you'll need to follow a reduced-calorie, balanced diet that is appropriate for any health conditions you may have.
Metformin
Metformin works by limiting your liver's ability to create glucose while increasing your cells sensitivity to insulin at the same time. This helps stop high blood sugar levels and allows your body to use less insulin. Controlling blood sugar will help reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier for you to eat less and lose weight. Metformin can be take with insulin and other diabetes medications, but is not appropriate for people with Type 1 diabetes. The amount of metformin you'll need is based on your current diet and exercise habits. Do not make drastic changes without consulting your doctor.
Metformin and Weight Loss
Metformin was not designed to be a weight-loss drug; but weight loss can be a side-effect of using this medication. However, the Diabetes Prevention Program notes that lifestyle changes, including exercising for 30 minutes five days each week and following a low-fat, reduced calorie diet are more effective for long-term health and weight loss than taking metformin. A 2002 study that followed more than 3,200 participants found that lifestyle changes reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, while taking metformin reduced the risk by 31 percent.
Diabetes Diet
If you have diabetes, your diet is part of the treatment of your condition. Taking metformin should not change your current diabetes meal plan. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables; whole grains and legumes high in fiber; lean animal proteins including fish two to three times per week; nonfat and low fat dairy products; unsaturated liquid oils rather than saturated solid fats such as butter or lard; and limited added sugars and high-calorie snack foods devoid of nutrients. Practice good portion control -- too much of any food, even healthy choices -- can lead to weight gain.
Weight-Loss and Calories
If you are taking metformin to lose weight, determine the number of calories you should consume daily by multiplying your goal weight by 12 to 15; you need to eat between 12 and 15 calories per pound of your ideal weight. If you'd like to weigh 140 lbs., you can eat between 1,680 and 2,100 calories, depending on your activity level. You can eat fewer calories to speed weight loss, but make sure to eat at least 1,200 to 1,500 calories to keep your metabolism functioning. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests replacing unhealthy foods with healthier, nutrient-dense choices that are lower in calories.
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