Introduction
Background. Metformin is the drug of first choice for patients with type 2 diabetes, and this therapy is characterized as having no effect on weight. However, in the elderly, additional unintended weight loss could be considered an adverse effect of treatment.
What does it mean when metformin gives you diarrhea?
The metformin-induced diarrhea that develops in people starting the drug has been attributed to changes in the gut microbiome, increased intestinal glucose and bile acid metabolism, and increased GLP- 1 (3).
Should I stop taking metformin if I have diarrhea?
If your diarrhea is severe, your doctor may suggest taking antidiarrheal medication. They may also recommend stopping metformin for a short period of time to see if the diarrhea resolves.
How long until metformin causes weight loss?
The researchers found that in people who lost more than 5% of their body weight in the first year, those taking metformin were more successful in maintaining their weight loss from 6 to 15 years. However, it is possible that taking the drug without following other healthy habits will not lead to weight loss.
Can you lose belly fat with metformin?
Conclusions: Metformin has no clinically significant effect on visceral fat reduction, although it has a beneficial effect on lipids. This trial confirms the growing body of evidence that metformin is not a weight-loss drug.
How long will I have diarrhea after taking metformin?
The most common side effects of metformin are gastrointestinal side effects. This is because one of metformin’s modes of action is directly in the gut, causing symptoms of nausea and diarrhea, especially during the first few weeks of taking it.
How long after starting metformin do you have diarrhea?
Side effects of metformin can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and gas. Taking metformin on a schedule can help reduce side effects. Most side effects of metformin are short-term, i.e. 2 weeks or less.
What to do if metformin gives you diarrhea?
Take an over-the-counter bismuth to stop diarrhea, such as Pepto-Bismol. Eat a fiber-rich diet to firm up your stools. Take a daily fiber supplement. Take medicines for diarrhea, such as loperamide (Imodium).
How can you tell metformin works?
How to check if metformin works. A healthcare professional can run tests to see how metformin affects your health: A blood test can check if your glucose, insulin, and HbA1C levels are in range. If so, the medicine is working.
Does diarrhea make you lose weight?
Diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial infections or stress and lasts for several days. It can become dangerous when it lasts for weeks or longer because it promotes water loss in the body. People with diarrhea can lose a lot of weight if they’ve been sick for a while, but they mostly lose water weight.
Conclusion
The amount of weight you are likely to lose is small. In a diabetes prevention study, 29% of people lost 5% or more of their body weight and only 8% lost around 10%. On average, it was around 5 pounds. That might be enough to start improving your health, but not enough to have a big impact if you’re overweight.
