Metformin is also known by its generic name, Glucophage. It was initially marketed to help Type II diabetics to lose weight quickly. Type II diabetes is much improved when the patient is no longer obese. It was discovered that Metformin could also help non-diabetics lose weight too. For non-diabetics the greatest weight loss success occurred when Metformin was used in conjunction with a healthy diet and a reasonable exercise program.
Metformin regulates the level of sugar in the blood. Metformin works by slowing the speed sugar is absorbed into the tissues. It also reduces the production of sugar by the liver. In addition Metformin increases the tissues sensitivity to insulin so naturally occurring insulin can do its job better.
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.
When insulin lowers the blood sugar, the brain gets a hunger signal. This makes us eat which starts the process over again. Eating dumps sugar into the blood which makes the pancreas dump insulin into the blood to protect the organs and lowers the blood sugar. Metformin breaks this cycle by preventing the pancreas from manufacturing excess insulin. In this way, Metformin keeps us from getting as hungry so we don't eat as often.
When using medication such as Metformin to lose weight, it is essential that the benefits are balanced with the risks. Obesity and Diabetes certainly have their health risks and losing weight can quickly improve both. However, medications should only be used as a last resort after exercise, diet and lifestyle changes have been thoroughly attempted.
Metformin regulates the level of sugar in the blood. Metformin works by slowing the speed sugar is absorbed into the tissues. It also reduces the production of sugar by the liver. In addition Metformin increases the tissues sensitivity to insulin so naturally occurring insulin can do its job better.
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.
When insulin lowers the blood sugar, the brain gets a hunger signal. This makes us eat which starts the process over again. Eating dumps sugar into the blood which makes the pancreas dump insulin into the blood to protect the organs and lowers the blood sugar. Metformin breaks this cycle by preventing the pancreas from manufacturing excess insulin. In this way, Metformin keeps us from getting as hungry so we don't eat as often.
When using medication such as Metformin to lose weight, it is essential that the benefits are balanced with the risks. Obesity and Diabetes certainly have their health risks and losing weight can quickly improve both. However, medications should only be used as a last resort after exercise, diet and lifestyle changes have been thoroughly attempted.
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As you begin your weight loss adventure, be sure to visit Metformin and weight loss. Remember, you will want to watch the video What is Metformin? where Dr. S Dominguez, MD, discusses the benefits of Metformin weight loss in individuals without diabetes.
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