Can Metformin Cause Weight Loss?
I have PCOD and hypothyroidism
2month back my fasting insulin value was 7.2
Since I have PCOD from last 1 yr I'm on metformin 500mg twice a day... Only because of metformin I lost 13 kg in 1 yr..
My concern is in further if I stop taking metformin then you will I start gaining weight
If I do Hb1ac test to know abt chances of diabetes in future then whether result will not correct ?? since I'm on metformin from last 1 yr
Weight loss of 13kg may not be due to Metaformin alone.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
Noted your concern.
Metformin usually used in PCOD to reduce insulin resistance (to decrease insulin requirement of body).
It is usually considered as weight neutral.
Weight loss of 13kg may not be attributed to use of Metformin alone.
There might be other causes like
- Diet
- Exercise.
- Good control of hypothyroidism.
If you continue diet restrictions, regular exercise and compliance with thyroid medicine there are very less chance of weight gain after stopping Metformin.
Metaformin definitely interfere with HbA1C value.
But HbA1C value in such a cases gives much more information -
1) Blood sugar levels over a period of 3 to 4 months.
2) Whether to continue metformin or not.
3) If HbA1C is out of range even with use of metformin it will confirm diagnosis of Diabetes. And accordingly appropriate decision regarding increase in medications should be considered.
Rather than thinking about future risk of Diabetes it's better to focus on further weight reduction with diet restrictions & regular exercise, with regular follow ups with your treating endocrinologist or gynecologist.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
It will be enough along with calories restricted diet.
Detailed Answer:
This type of exercise will be enough if accompanied by calories restricted diet.
I may suggest to consult Dietitian who can plan diet for your considering your BMI (Body Mass Index) and your food habits.
With this one should regularly assess weight loss weekly accordingly further plan of action can be decided.
Hope this helps.