Metformin Weight Loss Really Works.

By Damian Gottfried


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 works by modulating the amount of sugar in the blood stream. Essentially, it slows the absorption of sugar by the body's tissues and organs. Metformin diminishes the sugar produced by the liver too. In addition to these mechanisms, Metformin boosts the sensitivity of the tissues to insulin so it can better serve the body.

Metformin is used extensively to treat mental disorders too. It has proven particularly useful in helping lose weight who had previously gained a lot of weight because of taking antidepressants and other psychotropic prescriptions. The magazine Redbook published a study showing that over three quarters of the people who took Metformin lost ten percent of their body weight. Other studies claim many people have lost as much as thirty pounds.

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.

Avoiding foods laden with refined sugars and carbohydrates, like breads and sweets, is an early step in preventing weight gain and obesity. It's also the first step in losing weight. Processed carbohydrates are trigger foods that cause the blood sugar to quickly spike and fall.

When we have eaten, the meal is broken down and sugar enters the intestines and then our blood, and then our liver. The liver then releases the sugar back into the bloodstream which triggers the pancreas to produce insulin to keep the blood sugar from rising high enough to damage nerve tissues, the kidneys and the heart.

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.

With all medications there are benefits and risks. Metformin is no different. It's imperative that you speak to your doctor before taking Metformin for weight loss. Only your doctor can help you make an informed decision about what is best for you in your situation. Remember, healthy is a matter of making healthy lifestyle choices.




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