Glucophage for weight loss?

PamRN · 11-19-2006, 06:14 PM

Have any of you heard about or know of anyone using glucophage for weight loss? I have a friend at work that told me last night that her doc put her on glucophage to help her lose weight, and she has a friend on it that lost 30 pounds in 2 months so far.

I know that it's used for PCOS, and fertility as well as blood glucose control, but this is the first I've heard of it for weight loss... verrrrrry interesting...

I need something now that I'm bandless, so this is has peaked my curiosity.

11-19-2006, 06:30 PM

That is actually why I was originally put on it during my weight-loss program. It only helps you lose weight because of the side effects of diarrhea.

maudeispam · 11-20-2006, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurend

That is actually why I was originally put on it during my weight-loss program. It only helps you lose weight because of the side effects of diarrhea.

I totally agree! I lost weight while I was on it, but had the trots the whole time. Put something in...it came out liquid! Okay too much information.

**Jack** · 11-20-2006, 09:26 AM

I was on glucophage in my pre-insulin days. It didn't work for me, I ended up on insulin, gained 75 pounds.....and the last 15 years preBand was a downward spiral....

I'd have to research this claim, I simply have never heard of this....

11-20-2006, 09:54 AM

Yep, that's why I don't take it anymore. I am insulin resistant, but I decided that it wasn't worth living my life chained to a toilet, especially since I am a field biologist.

**Elisabethsew** · 11-20-2006, 10:58 AM

Glucophage is usually only prescribed if someone has an elevated hemoglobin A1C (>6.0 or 6.5) as is diagnosed as Insulin resistant. I have never heard of it being prescribed for weight loss without an elevated Heme. A1C.

derbygirl · 11-20-2006, 02:49 PM

One of the symptoms of PCOS is being overweight. Unless you've gained weight because of insulin-related issues, it's not going to help you.

Your friend will probably not lose much more. My doc said 10%-15% is average, if I remember right. But some people lose nothing, even with PCOS.

And after staying on glucophage for a while, the nasty side effects that others mention will go away. They did for me anyway. It took a few weeks though.

Marlluvia · 11-20-2006, 04:35 PM

My doctor put me on glucophage for insulin resistance, but I had severe abdominal cramping and had to run to the restroom almost immediately. Not pleasant, I stopped taking it after a week.

PamRN · 11-22-2006, 05:57 AM

Wow, I'm thinking maybe I'd rather not go there... one of the reasons I chose banding originally was it didn't cause dumping. It would have to have some great results overall to make that symptom worth it! Seems like a laxative would probably be cheaper if that's how it causes weight-loss.

beversman · 11-22-2006, 07:08 AM

As long as you take it as prescribed... those symptoms will only last a about a week or two. Annoying yes, but if you truly need the medicine, you will be fine in a couple of weeks.

I take it, and I'm fine.

mypov · 11-25-2006, 10:47 AM

Yeah, Dumping is exactly how I'd describe glucophage side effects too. I've been on/off it for several years to prevent full-blown diabetes. Everytime I forget or miss a couple of days I have to schedule in a new time to start, a time when I won't have to leave the house for a few days (very difficult). The first time I was ever put on it I lost 25 lbs in a month, going from 243 to 218, but if you look at my stats now, obviously that was short lived. I believe everything I lost was purely water weight. The only reason I still take it is because my sugars are so high with out it that I could very easily become diabetic, and I don't need that along with everything else!

Julie* · 11-27-2006, 08:28 PM

I was on glucophage for 2 years for PCOS while fighting the fertility battle and did not have any of the side effects that everyone is talking about. I was on the extended release-1500mg per day- if I remember correctly.
I did not lose weight on it- didn't gain either BUT it helped get my PCOS under control and helped me get my beautiful boy. I think it's a wonder drug but not necessarily for weight loss.

proximity · 01-12-2007, 09:39 AM

I don't lose weight with diet and excersize, I have been on synthroid, metformin (generic of what you are talking about), and number of other meds.

Metformin side effects go away after a w eek at the least, month at the most for most people. I have IBS and I can't take most meds since they really mess me up and feared taking Metformin. I was ok, first 2 weeks it did the same number on my stomach as ant-biotics do.

I didn't lose any weight on it and got off of it since I hate taking more meds if I don't need to.

beachgirl · 01-12-2007, 10:15 AM

It does work. My mom went on it 3 months ago. I've only lost 60 pounds in almost 6 months with my band and mother has lost 40 pounds in 3 months by going on this for her diabetes. My father is on it as well for diabetes and has lost 40 pounds and our pastor has lost 60 pounds with it. It must really work.

conniesueb · 01-12-2007, 06:08 PM

I have been on Metformin(generic) for Diabetes for about a year, and never had any of the side effects, but I didn't lose any weight either! Of course, I only take 500 mgm a day, while most people take 1000. Luckily, my diabetes has never been too out of control, and i am hoping that I will be able to go off of it completely after a few more months!