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.
Insulin is what causes us to gain weight. What happens is, when we eat, glucose and other sugars pass from our digestive track into our bloodstream. Rising sugar in the blood triggers the liver to dump insulin into the circulatory system. Insulin then lowers the sugar. The lower blood sugar level is interpreted by the brain as hunger and we are then motivated to eat again.
A method to avoid obesity is to shun foods that cause blood sugar to rise too fast. This is why it is recommended to avoid sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, particularly pastries, pastas, sugar, white flour, and High Fructose Corn Syrup.
To look at the process more closely, it is vital to understand what happens when we eat. A meal is broken down in the intestines where the sugars from the meal pass into the blood. From our blood, sugars then enter the liver. The liver, in turn, releases glucose into the circulatory system. This then triggers the pancreas to produce insulin to prevent the glucose in the blood from rising too fast and causing damage.
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.
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.
Insulin is what causes us to gain weight. What happens is, when we eat, glucose and other sugars pass from our digestive track into our bloodstream. Rising sugar in the blood triggers the liver to dump insulin into the circulatory system. Insulin then lowers the sugar. The lower blood sugar level is interpreted by the brain as hunger and we are then motivated to eat again.
A method to avoid obesity is to shun foods that cause blood sugar to rise too fast. This is why it is recommended to avoid sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, particularly pastries, pastas, sugar, white flour, and High Fructose Corn Syrup.
To look at the process more closely, it is vital to understand what happens when we eat. A meal is broken down in the intestines where the sugars from the meal pass into the blood. From our blood, sugars then enter the liver. The liver, in turn, releases glucose into the circulatory system. This then triggers the pancreas to produce insulin to prevent the glucose in the blood from rising too fast and causing damage.
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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While on your weight loss adventure, be sure to visit Metformin and weight loss. Also, remember to to watch the video What is Metformin? and hear Dr. S Dominguez, MD, discusses the benefits of Metformin weight loss in individuals without diabetes.