Can metformin extended-release tablets help with weight loss?
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, metformin sustained-release tablets refer to metformin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, which are mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. To some extent, they can help overweight or obese diabetic patients lose weight. In daily life, weight loss should be achieved through scientific and reasonable methods, such as adjusting dietary structure, controlling calorie intake, ensuring balanced nutrition, increasing physical activity, and incorporating both aerobic exercise and strength training.
Under normal circumstances, metformin sustained-release tablets have a certain auxiliary weight-loss effect, but they are not specifically designed as a weight-loss medication. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Metformin sustained-release tablets are primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They lower blood glucose levels by improving insulin resistance, reducing hepatic glycogen output, and enhancing glucose uptake and utilization by peripheral tissues. For individuals who are mildly overweight or obese and have insulin resistance, the use of metformin sustained-release tablets may result in noticeable weight loss. However, for individuals with significant baseline weight or those with simple obesity without insulin resistance, the weight-loss effect of metformin may be less pronounced. Additionally, non-diabetic individuals taking metformin sustained-release tablets may experience adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia, which can be severe and even life-threatening.
In daily life, weight loss should be approached through scientific and reasonable methods, including adjusting dietary patterns, controlling calorie intake, ensuring balanced nutrition, increasing physical activity, and incorporating both aerobic exercise and strength training.
