Metformin Weight Loss Myths.

By Donn Vos


Metformin, sometimes called by its generic name Glucophage, was originally promoted to help with rapid weight loss in Type II Diabetics. Type II Diabetes and obesity often occur at the same time in the same people. Although Metformin was intended to help diabetics lose weight, it can also help non-diabetics lose weight too, particularly when combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Needless to say, weight lose begins with physical activity and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables whether Metformin is also used or not.

Metformin governs the amount of sugar in the body and how it is absorbed by the tissues. It does this in three ways. First, it stabilizes the amount of sugar in the blood. Second, slows the production of glucose by the liver. Finally, Metformin heightens the level of sensitivity the tissues have to insulin.

Metformin has been used for years to address mental health issues as well. When someone has gained significant weight because of taking an antidepressant, Metformin is very successful in helping them lose this added weight. The periodical Redbook printed the results of a study that showed the vast majority of the participants lost ten percent of their weight while taking Metformin. Other studies are more specific and report that study participants lost as much as thirty pounds as a result of Metformin.

Here's how Metformin works. Insulin is the culprit that causes weight gain. After we eat a meal our blood sugar rises. This stimulates the liver to pump insulin into the blood. The increasing insulin gives us a hunger message which moves us to eat. But, when we eat, sugar is dumped into the blood and the cycle continues.

A method to avoid obesity is to shun foods that cause blood sugar to rise too fast. This is why it is recommended to avoid sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, particularly pastries, pastas, sugar, white flour, and High Fructose Corn Syrup.

A closer look at the process is essential in understanding the role of blood sugar and obesity. Sugar from our meal pass through the walls of the intestines and enters the blood system. From there, the sugar goes through the liver. This initiates as process in the pancreas that dumps insulin into the blood to counter the rising sugar. Too much sugar damages the organs of the body.

But when insulin lowers the blood sugar we think we are hungry so we eat. And the cycle starts over. We eat more and the liver coverts these extra calories into fat. When blood sugar remains high over time, it can lead to nerve damage, heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage. Metformin regulates the sugar dumped from the liver and prevents the sugar level from becoming too high. This stops the pancreas from producing too much insulin so we don't get as hungry and don't eat as much.

Metformin, like any medication, has benefits, risks and drug interactions. Be sure you understand this balance before you take Metformin for weight loss. Speak to your doctor to determine if Metformin is your best choice for weight loss. Also, consider which lifestyle changes you can make to reach your weight loss goals.




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