How long does it take Metformin to help me lose weight?

Question posted by doirinne on 15 Dec 2011

Last updated on 16 May 2019

I have been diagnosed with insulin resistance Nov 2011. Taking Metformin HCL ER 2000mg (since 11/4/11 worked my way up to full dose). Been on full dose for 2.5 weeks now. No weight loss. I am keeping total daily carbs under 45grams per day. Total calories < 1400. Protein = 60-80GRAMS per day. Diet controlled w/dietician every 6 weeks. I work out 5x per week, 45 mins each time = 50/50 cardio/strength training. Drink 8 glasses of water per day. I am very frustrated. How long does full dose of MET 2000mg take to lose any weight? My endo says he feels I can lose 10 lbs by the follow up appt 2/3/12. I haven't lose one ounce yet.

Added 15 Dec 2011:

ps I just read somewhere that I should be taking my metformin with full glass of water. I have not been doing that. Just enough water to get the pills down. Also once or twice a week I will have a glass of sugar free lemonade w/ 1.5 oz of flavored vodka (zero sugar, BUT 6-8 total carbs). Could this interfere w/metformins' effect to help the insulin resistance?

Added 15 Dec 2011:

pps the carbs I consume are 99% from vegetables, either green leafy or steamed/frozen

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30 Answers Page 2

pmccrossin 28 June 2016

I am a 57 yr.old woman that needs to loose 50/60 pounds. My Dr. prescribed Metformin 500 mg 3 times a day for weight loss. I am not sure if I am loosing weight or not. I have been on it for a couple of weeks & I feel bloated a lot of times. Someone on here said that I might be eating the wrong kind of foods or to stay a way from certain foods, do you think I can get that list ?

Thank you :-)

chgo2la 9 July 2016

My doctor prescribed Metformin/glucophage 750 once a day as my blood sugar jumped from 121 to 145.
I'm also overweight. So far I've lost 14 pounds within 2 months. Naturally I've cut out all sugar, bread, potatoes - anything with starch. However, I'm never hungry and not tempted by bread, etc. My appetite has been curbed to a great degree. It's really amazing. After one month my blood sugar dropped back to 117. Hope to lose another 35 lbs. Not certain if my doctor plans to increase the dosage.

Overseer 17 July 2016

I am 62 years old with Diabetes. I've never been over weight, but my Diabetes is not bad enough to take insulin. I've been on Metformin about 3 months and I've lost 38 pounds. I now weigh 142 and I'm becoming concerned. I've went from wearing a size 12 to a 5. I'm unsure what I should do because the Doctors says I need the RX to control my sugar, but I don't want to look like I'm sickly being so thin. I take 500 mg a day and I've cut out sugars and any sweets.

Peanutbutter1 22 Aug 2016

I'm 43 and my triglycerides were at 152 two digits above the high-end... My doctor told me to take them with dinner at night time because then I can sleep through the bloating if the bloating would occur! Hope that helps!

Lisalu910 21 April 2018

@ Overseer: you say you’ve “never been overweight,” yet you just dropped 38 pounds and are down to 142? I suppose if you are a tall, well-built man, then 180 lbs is not overweight. If you are a woman, though, I can’t imagine how tall you’d have to be for 180 lbs to not be overweight. Maybe you’re just kidding yourself.

Lisalu910 21 April 2018

@ Overseer: PS... I notice you mentioned wearing a size 12, so clearly you are a woman. So I will reiterate that a 180 lb woman wearing a size 12 is clearly overweight unless she is maybe like 6’ 2” tall. Who told you that you weren’t overweight?

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Jenna_Denise 28 April 2016

WOW! I've taken Glucophage(Metformin) for maybe a month now. I haven't changed my diet or started exercising, but I have lost 22 lbs. I'm also not diabetic, I have PCOS. this medicine makes me not hungry and decreases my appetite. In fact, if I eat too fast and end out overeating I throw up.

Jenna_Denise 28 April 2016

Well first off, every body is different & they all react differently to things. Maybe you should try a food log, not all foods have the same impact on every body. Maybe tracking your food along with your daily weight will help to pin point which foods may not be working for your body type and which ones may help accelerate your weight loss goals.

Votes: +1

Tam45 14 July 2016

Been Taking Metformin 500 er Twice A Day 8am And 8pm, I Found Out About Being Diabetic 1 Month Ago, I Was Weighing 202 Pounds Back In March, I lost 20 pounds Since Then, Weigh Was 183.50, Now I Have Gained 2.5 pounds Since Then, I Noticed When I Was Taking One Pill, I Had Diarrhea And I Was looking Weigh, Now I Have Gain A Few Pounds, I Dont Understand I exercise Enough Exercise, I'm confuse, need some help

cshumaker 3 Sep 2016

Been taking 500 mg 2x daily and have not lost a single pound. I exercise daily and try to watch what I eat and drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. I continue to have excess weight mainly in my midsection. So metformin has not helped with weight loss.

maree12 3 April 2016

I have tried to use Metformin for weight loss too. I have had no real success from it, despite that I have cut my food intake a lot to what I was eating. And, for a short while, despite low carbing with the Metformin, weight that I lost on a strict no carb diet has gradually been creeping back on. I have had a stroke which affected production of a lot of my hormones, so I suppose I am just stuck with eating very little to try to maintain my weight.
Actually, there is controversy about the eight glasses a day of water - thank heavens. A lot of specialists are saying it is BAD for you. of course if it replaces coffee or soft drink, it has to be better, but drinking everything else that you do plus 8 glasses of water is not a good thing apparently. Yay.

bootiee50 16 July 2017

Hi my name Iris I start with metformin HCL 500mg and Januvia 100 mg in 2016 and I was on the boarder line of diabetes and weight 186 I now weight 160 and still loser I also drink Bacardi light I also concern about my weight loss. As of last week I stop drink and made appointment to doctor about so much weight loss.

Feathers67 9 March 2016

To all on metformin or glycomet metformin in order for it to work properly along with dieting, exercise and etc, you must take metformin with your meal in the mids of it with a full 8 ounce of water then finish your meal it is scientifically proven that medication such as metformin works better while digesting food and you will see the result and feel better once you take with food it definitely help with weight lost when taken properly . I hope this helps

Votes: +4

Ebonycearra 17 April 2016

Yes so true!

mroyba 18 Sep 2016

Thank you so much for that info. I was not told to do that.

Also does anyone else thing 250mg a day is too low. I take 1/2 a pill a day for my diabetes but there is no change in my weight.

KatChi 24 Sep 2016

My dr took me off slow release and she says metformin aids in weightloss for my pcos.. I was put on 2000mg daily and stopped taking it last year because i hated the metallic taste and started working out more. Last week, we realize my periods and hormones were off again, this time back on and trying it as suggested, full glass of water with food. I can barely finish my food. No metallic taste and im shocked its suppressing my appetite more than before. I guess the water with meal does the trick. Im also back to the gym, literally riding my bike to the gym for a kickboxing class or hot yoga (hot yoga will drop lbs in 2 weeks.. Promise!!)
I'll update this time next month. Im cooking breakfast and have no appetite even now

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Murry19xx 5 March 2016

I started taking metformin last year for my pcos. I lost 13 pounds in a month and didn't cage a thing about my eating habits. I stopped taking it for a while because the 1500mg dose was making me feel ill. I just started back up about a month ago and in the last week I've been eating better and have lost roughly 4 pounds in a week. So I guess it just depends on how your body reacts to it and how quickly.

Hb125 11 Jan 2016

I've been on Metformin for 3 wks at 1500 mg a day, no wt loss so far. It definitely took my appetite away, thought I would have lost something, but have not. I'm disappointed, but maybe I should wait longer to see any results.

mroyba 13 Sep 2016

I have been on Metformin for 6 months taking 250 mg a day and zero weight loss... very disappointing. Have tried cutting sweets and amount of food intake. Any suggestions?

malichi 17 Sep 2016

If you don't mind me asking, how do you weigh? I am about to start taking it, and I weigh about 420.

malichi 18 Sep 2016

If you don't mind me asking, how do you weigh? I am about to start taking it, and I weigh about 420.

mroyba 18 Sep 2016

I weight 150 pounds, am 5'2, 55 years old.

InDispicableMe 4 Nov 2016

I started out at 374lbs in Feb and now at 434lbs I didn't realize stopping Metformin I would gain all this weight,as of today I'm starting back on it 2x a day as prescribed 1000mg,Along with my other insulin Huma log 3x day 25cc and Lancelot 1x day 45cc.
Mind You In Feb I was in A Diabetic Coma for 48 hours in ICU.

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wildething42 18 Nov 2015

I have been taking metformin (500mg twice daily) for almost a year. It was prescribed because of my PCOS. With a 1600 cal diet and hitting the gym five days a week, I have lost 80lbs from January to November. I also switched from Implanon to non-hormonal birth control within that time. I did not have significant weight loss until the Implanon was removed (I do not know if there is a correlation, or if it just took three months for my lifestyle changes to take effect).

Sbolt 14 Aug 2015

I have just started the metformin. I have noticed a great change. My body is not hungry for sweet things. I no longer eat just because. I do not even think about it now. I am not a diabetic and ise this med for my hormones and it works great.

Votes: +1

CarolynACota 15 Sep 2016

What time of the day is best to take he Metformin for weight loss? It is my supper hour and I just picked the med up from the pharmacy. I wonder if I should wait until tomorrow morning and take it with my breakfast?

Appledapple 12 Dec 2016

In 2008 I exercised ate healthy and took metformin 500mg daily. I lost 40 lbs in 6months but I worked hard. I kept having diarrhea on the med so eventually I stopped taking it... here it is 8yrs later my A1c went up my Doctor put me on it again I'm not really on a diet I cut back only a little and I am not eating as much as I used to I have osteoarthritis in my knees so I'm in pain a lot so I hardly exercise at all and I have lost only 11 pounds in 4 months but it still gives me diarrhea like crazy... so I'm thinking, me going to the bathroom is what is helping me lose the weight but the process is very slow.

andreapgn27 6 Aug 2015

I start using METFORMIN 500 MG twice a day since 07/28/2015 and I lost 9 pounds until today. I take it twice around 8AM and 8 PM every day.I drink around more than a gallon of water a day. 3 small meals no carbs and if i do whole wheat and 3 snacks like yogurt, pear or apple between meals and is working really good along with the treadmill 30 mins daily. If you follow the diet along with Dr. recomendation you will see results asap like me.

Votes: +1

tredye 22 June 2016

I started taking metformin 1000mg a day and worked my way up to 2000mg a day in March of this year for being diabetic from taking a statin drug,,I have lost 28 lbs. Should I be concerned

Veronica40 13 Aug 2016

I'm been taking Metformin with very but very low carbs diet I weight 252 back in May so now is August 11 and I weight 216 not a big difference but I feel better i do exercise and try to stay away from Rice , pasta, potatoes , bread and most of the fruit because of the sugar no more sodas no cookies I guess anything nowadays goes with a Diet unfortunely there is no magic pill a lot of people don't get results at all so even though the progress is very slow and I need wayyyy more to go I'm feeling better Good luck everyone and let's not give up loosing weight is very hard

DTTRAVELINMAN 28 Aug 2016

Helpful, I've lost 42 pounds since being diagnosed with Diabetes 2, Oct 15. Am getting worried because I take 1000 mg Metformin and changed my diet. I see that Metformin curbs desire to eat, well, I also have gastroparesis and continue to lose weight at a steady rate. Should I be concerned?

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Jessica Andrews 16 June 2015

I have just been prescribed metformin 1000mg once a day for PCOS. What a weight lifted off my shoulders. I lost 10 kg by myself in 2 months. Purely from shakes and 2 litres of water/tea with aloe. I've packed it all back on now rapidly and so glad I have a tool to utilise with my strategy to get me to where I want to be with my weight. Fingers crossed!!! Ps stay away from anything in a packet, as preservatives and toxins retain fat cells.

Lucina 25 June 2015

@Jessica
May I know what is the diet plan you are on? you mentioned about shakes and water, is that means having liquids without any other food.. I just want to lose weight and it has become very tough with PCOS

Lucina 6 Aug 2015

Thanks for your inputs. I noticed a weight change, I lost around 13 pounds from June 1(first day of Metformin ) till July 11. Thanks so much for you support I have still to loss lot of weight. And I am working hard for it.
But now, from July my weight is stuck it is not changing. I used to take metformin 750 mg twice a day, since my sugars are good doctor reduced it to one pill a day.
I am also on Megase, which increases appitite. I am fighting everyday to control my craving towards some food but with no weight change I am not movtivated

Anjani91 12 May 2016

Hi @Jessica... Congratulations on your weight loss :) May I know your diet plan please... I have been trying to lose weight for more than 5 years now and I am just not able to do it.

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Beyondblessedxo 4 June 2015

I was prescribed metformin 1000mg daily for problems associated with pcos 2 weeks ago and have lost 10 lbs already.

Lucina 9 June 2015

@Beyondblessedxo
hey did you follow any diet... I started Metformin 750mg, 2pills a day from yesterday for problems associated with PCOS. Before yesterday, I am doing exercise from a month and on healthy diet from 2weeks, there is no change in my weight, I am little disappointed.

@All, Please guys anyone who lost weight can you please post me the diet. I am desperate to lose weight.

Cateline 21 June 2015

I cut out all sugar but for in my morning coffee. I cut out white bread, white rice and white potatoes (well occasional potatoes). drinking more water. Im down 7 so far and ive been on it less than a week.

samilq 25 June 2015

I've been taking Metformin 2000 mg for the last 8 months for type2 diabetes and I've lost ~20 lbs. I am still eating the regular meals (consist of rice/meat/veggie or pasta) but no desserts. I've been working out a bit more just becasue my doctor told me to. I've been drinking alot more water also because I am thirsty all the time. The side effect for me with Metformin is that I have to run to the bathroom all the time, everything that I eat will come right out (not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing).

Lucina 25 June 2015

Ok thanks I don't take direct sugars at all. But still waiting to see the result.

samilq 3 Sep 2015

Thought you might find this helpful. I've been keeping a meal and weight loss journal and noticed that when I drank a big glass of luke warm water with my metformin, I've lost weight quicker. I also add a wedge of lemon in my water and kept drinking it throughout the day. This help with cleansing out the toxins in my body and also eating less at meal time. I've lost another 8 lbs as of today, total of 28 lbs altogether. I walk my dogs every night after super for about 5-8 km, power walk at lunchtime and sometimes dancing on the weekends. Those are my forms of exercise. Hope this helps.

conn5650 8 Sep 2015

With regards to losing the weight, I have metabolic PCOS and was given metformin and have lost 7lbs in ten days. That said, I had a rough first week on just the half dose at 500mg to start. I had diarrhea so bad, it was horrible. I went back to the Dr. and he asked what I was eating then told me that not only do I have to not eat carbs, that if I eat carbs I will be sick. so the little breaks and cheats and cravings where I thought I was being good, were not good. Even the tiniest carb wreaked havoc on me, I'm talking 1/4 piece of whole wheat toast or one tiny milk chocolate candy, a bite of whole wheat pasta... So that made it easier to be more strict with myself. detoxing off the wheat carbs and all things sugar was hell the first 5 days, I was moody, terrified to go to the grocery store because every way you look is sugar and wheat products everywhere. I cried a few times, it was hard. Week 2 has been easier and now I know what is safe to eat and good for me.

Tashaa20 19 Nov 2015

Have you done a special diet and daily exercise to lose the weight or is it just from the tablet! I got diagnosed With pcos when I was 14 I'm now 20 and been put on metformin yesurday

k9trainer46 20 Nov 2015

I went on WHOLE30.COM worked wonders just watch you don't feel dizzy cause this is a low sugar dairy fiber clean living change!

conn5650 20 Nov 2015

I have been following the glycemic index on the low side. No wheat products. Avoiding corn and starches as well. No potatoes or rice. Learned about paleo food choices. That really helped. Started following atkins food choices then moved over to paleo. Its better for me. Focuses on clean eating. With the metformin and eating paleo, dropped 30 lbs just watching my diet. I use a lot of green veggies. I eat eggs, zuchinni, rasberries, blueberries, chia seeds, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, meats and fishes and a whole bunch of other good stuff. Learned how to bake with coconut and almond flour. My next experiment is garbanzo flour baking. There will never be a substitute for the taste and texture of a wheat grain bread. But im ok with that. Bread, even though every healthy eating list says whole wheat, is still bad for blood sugar. I miss toast as a quick out the door breakfast. I miss pasta as a comfort food. I definitely miss cookies when pms rolls round. But that is life.

Expand...

Learning to bake with almond and cocnut flour has helped my sweet tooth get healthy and satisfy the craving. I even found a pasta that is safe and still healthy. Garbanzo bean flour pasta. Amazing.

Jas1986 2 Feb 2016

I have been on metformin for about a month now. I've lost 10 pounds. I do something like the paleo diet only fruit, veggies, and meat. No sugar or alcohol. Alcohol is worse that eating a slice of cake. Hope this helps.

nobk 30 April 2016

Conn5650 I appreciate your info. My daughter just found out they were putting her on metformin for her sugar and told her she needs to lose weight but haven't given us any info on any diet so I'm going to look the different flours an pasta. Thank you

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Skylarv 2 Oct 2014

I've been taking a low dose(only 500mg a day) for 2 months and dropped 20lbs. Went from 260 to 240. I'm not sure if I should be concerned. I'm pretty good about my diet and my only vice is cannabis(admittedly a good amount) but I don't do caffeine, alcohol or nicotine at all

cagonzales 22 April 2015

Hi Skylarv,

Well done on the weight loss. How are you doing now with the Metformin?

Cateline 21 June 2015

I started taking the same low dose on this past tuesday. I had weighed myself for the first time in a couple months two thursdays ago (6/11/15) and I weighed 284. I started the 500mg a day dose this past tuesday 6/16. I weighed myself yesterday morning and I was 277. What I did do was cut out all sugar except for the teaspoon i put in my coffee in the morning. I am only eating whole grain breads when I eat it. I also cut out white rice, pasta and very rarely eat white potatoes. (I had a hashbrown for breakfast this morning..the first time in near two weeks). Those are the only changes I have made in my diet and i am down 7 pounds already.
I am getting the occasional stomach cramp and bout of diahrrea. I am going to look into a probiotic for myself to hopefully help with that.

Hope this is helpful.

lou75 24 July 2015

Hi I just get on the metformin 500mg and just went to know do you take 2 at dinner?

willBfit 11 Sep 2015

Have you noticed any side effects with cannabis and metformin? I just started taking metformin and didn't know if I could still smoke

kimmieandfrankie 23 Oct 2015

OMG, people... you do not take Metformin as a weight lose drug. It is for diabetes only!!! if you need to lose weight, go on a diet, go to the gym. If you need to take pills to lose weight then you're doing something obviously wrong!! Metformin is a serious drug that can cause harm if you are NOT a diabetic. Its a lazy way of trying to lose weight! Do it on your own!!

Angeleffigy 31 Oct 2015

@kimmieandfrankie
Actually you are wrong... Metformin also is prescribed for the chronic and progressive disease known as obesity to assist in weight loss based on labs that predispose one to being insulin resistant. It is not laziness it's a medication prescribed by a knowledgable MD. Several labs can suggest insulin resistance (prediabetic) including cholesterol levels(total, triglycerides, hdl, ldl), A1c... Metformin assists in bringing levels to a normal range along with helping with weight loss along with a nutritional and exercise plan overseen by a MD.

damidiaz 10 Nov 2015

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was put on metformin 500mg 2 times a day three weeks ago and have lost 12 lbs already. I will add that I CUT OUT ALL SUGARS. Took it like a champ haven't had any Mc Donalds or cake. Switch to splenda in my cofee. Don't eat rice or potatoes. NO PASTA! NO ALCOHOL! NO CHOCOLATE! Its been extremely hard but my sugar was 570 when I went into the ER. Almost went into diabetic coma so I had to do it. I also stopped eating bread or anything that looks like it (muffins, cake, cookies, buns, pastries, etc). I drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water a day. No pop! I started my diabetic journey weighing 274.3 lbs and I am down to 263.3... Its possible.

Lexi1 22 Oct 2018

Ensure helps

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jld5222 16 Oct 2013

I have been taking metformin 1000 mg twice a day for 8 years... I haven't notice any weight loss.

caldwellb02 27 Sep 2014

I've been taking it since February 2014. I have lost 45 pounds. I also stopped drinking wine every night. I think that was also a part of it. When people ask me how I lost this weight when I tell them is that I stopped drinking wine every night and use my diabetes drug. It hascome off ridiculously easily. I wish someone had told me about this drug sooner!

cagonzales 22 April 2015

Hi Jld5222,

Congratulations loosing that much. How much metformin did you take during the period? 500 mg or 1000 mg before each meal?
Are you still on it and have you had more success loosing?

Merrieg 6 June 2016

I have been taking metformin 2000mg for over a year 2 times a day. I take one in the morning and one before I go to bed. Should I take with food? Or does it matter as long as I take it?

Merrieg 6 June 2016

I have been taking metformin 2000mg for over a year 2 times a day. I take one in the morning and one before I go to bed. Should I take with food? Or does it matter as long as I take it?

luz54 1 Sep 2016

I was prescribed Metformin by my Dr. and I did not know it helps to loose weight. I have lost 27lbs. in the pas 8 months without trying, it suppressed the urge for sugar, carbs and salty foods. However, for the last 2 months I have felt the effects have minimized. I need to consult with my Dr. on my next visit to find out if it's effect is over.

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Delila 16 Dec 2011

Hi, as you probably know, metformin aids weight loss by reducing your natural instinct of hunger, so you eat less. So it is really down to you to loose the weight by eating healthily which it sounds that you are. To be honest i would have expected you to have lost some weight already... there are foods which can hinder you weight loss, such as foods that increase your blood sugar levels, so you need to be aware of these. I am going to add a link to a website that lists the things you should/should not be doing whilst taking the metformin, including dietary suggestions. I hope you see some results soon.

Votes: +2

mouawim 26 Jan 2015

Hi, i am healthy and completely well-balanced with no health problem. i take contraceptive pills. would like to loose around 5KG. Can i take glucofage to help me in the process? thank you

Delila 27 Jan 2015

Hi, unless you are diabetic i wouldn't suggest using this medication, it could be very dangerous...

BillTom 5 April 2015

My Np recommended using to help assist weight loss. I have lost 43 lbs but can't seem to continue, I have 30 more to loose. I know it is a diabetic medication and concerned of possible problems with taking this, but really need to loose the remainder of weight due to joint/bone problems.

Delila 5 April 2015

Well as long as your doctor is keeping a close eye on you, checking your blood/sugar levels etc, then i can't disagree. Well done for losing so much weight!! I'm in your situation at the moment, it's so frustrating losing the rest of the weight isn't it!

fro85 14 April 2015

Delia or whatever your name is: stop commenting on things you know nothing about. Pre-diabetes is serious. Obviously her doc felt it was serious to prescribe. You are an idiot.

Delila 15 April 2015

If you actually read the question/answers/comments, you will see that this conversation is about weight loss. We were not discussing diabetes. Calling people idiots isn't very mature is it

71dupree 11 Feb 2016

Delila, did you ever post that link ???

Delila 12 Feb 2016

Hi, i tried but you aren't allowed to add links any more unless it is to another page on this website

annesheila 5 April 2016

I was very interested in the link you may be able to send about things to eat /not eat on Metformin I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and am going to start on meds soon.
Anne.

Heatherknox 1 July 2016

Has anyone had any weight loss since this was posted in 2011? I am currently on metformin to help me lose weight and I'm wondering if anyone has any insight on it

Cheriryals 1 Aug 2016

HI I am going to a medical weightloss clinic and I am pretty diebetic. I take metformin 500mg per day. I have lost 13 lbs in 4weeks. I stay under 20 carbs and I eat lost of fats. I am trying to get into ketosis which makes you loose weight really fast. But the ketogenic diet makes u not hungry and I guess med make u not hungry but I eat anyway for help with weighloss, so my body doesn't get into starvation mode. Good luck.

EllaM 16 July 2017

I've been taking Metformin 1000mg a day for 3 weeks. I am down 24 lbs. I'm on 1200 cal high protein low carb low sugar diet. In the beginning I had some nausea and have had to force myself to drink more water for hydration.

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