The drug is also used for polycystic ovary disease but has emerged as a quick fix for those looking to lose weight
Diabetes drug metformin has emerged as the weight loss drug of choice for the swish set.
metformin
Though the drug is for use in type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary disease – which may sometimes lead to weight gain – for the hip and happening the blood sugar lowering drug – along with strict diet and exercise regimen, helps them achieve their weight goals. There are websites dedicated to the weight loss properties of Glucophage (one of the many brand names under which metformin is sold) and given India’s lax drug regulation it is easily available without a prescription. And it is not that difficult to procure a prescription either.
One of the side-effects of such use of metformin in non-diabetics is sudden loss of consciousness owing to a drastic lowering of blood sugar; which in fact is why athelets looking to lose weight are asked to avoid it
Superstar Sridevi died of drowning after she lost consciousness and fell into the bathtub. Her cremation is today
“Glucophage is a safe medication that prevents blood sugar levels from rising too high, but you defeat its effects by taking foods that cause rapid rises in blood sugar levels. So taking Glucophage after eating two bagels will not help you to lose weight. I prescribe 500 mg of Glucophage to be taken a few minutes before you eat, usually three times a day. You should not take it if you have kidney disease, heart failure or any medical condition that could make your blood acidic,” reads one such site run in the name of “sports medicine doctor, fitness guru and long-time radio host Gabe Mirkin.” Mirkin the site says, is a practicing physician for more than 50 years and a radio talk show host for 25 years, and a graduate of Harvard University and Baylor University College of Medicine.
One of the side-effects of such use of metformin in non-diabetics is sudden loss of consciousness owing to a drastic lowering of blood sugar; which in fact is why athelets looking to lose weight are asked to avoid it.
“Glucophage should not be used for weight loss in athletes because it impairs competitive performance by lowering blood sugar. On rare occasions, during maximal effort, this can cause a person to pass out,” the website advises.
The role of Metformin in weight loss is documented in medical literature too. A 1998 article in the journal Obesity Research says: “Subjects treated with metformin continued to lose weight throughout 24 weeks of treatment; their mean maximum weight loss was 8 kg greater than that of the placebo group, with corresponding lower HbA1C and fasting blood glucose levels at the end of the active treatment period. These results indicate that metformin decreases calorie intake in a dose-dependent manner and leads to a reduction in bodyweight in NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) patients with obesity.”
However, metformin solely for weight loss in people whose blood sugars are otherwise under control, is not an approved use, doctors say.
