Never try a supplement without first asking your health care provider. Some people will benefit from short-term use and others will see the benefits of continuing berberine supplementation over time. Side effects of berberine aren’t common, and the benefits of the supplement typically outweigh side effects. Sometimes people can become insulin-resistant. Side Effects Like Nausea and Diarrhea May Curb Food Intake There have been clinical studies, but there aren’t enough of them to say with certainty how much weight people will lose when taking berberine. The supplement also makes your cells more sensitive to insulin to move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells where it’s used for energy. Top 6 functional medicine labs to test for root cause of PCOS. How Does Metformin Compare With Approved Weight Loss Drugs? A study published in Phytomedicine found that people with obesity who took 500 mg of berberine daily lost around five pounds in 12 weeks. Berberine, a staple in traditional medicine, is a plant-based compound that helps to protect the heart and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. You know that a healthy diet and regular exercise are important parts of any weight loss plan. If your doctor prescribes metformin, there are a few simple lifestyle tweaks you can do that lead to weight loss success. Some people will benefit from short-term use and others will see the benefits of continuing berberine supplementation over time.By helping your cells use glucose more efficiently, berberine can also support weight loss.Ditch the fads and start taking real steps to improving your health with the nutrition and dietary experts from Ohio State.In that case, you may have to take medication such as a GLP-1 or metformin to meet your goals.Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have made waves for weight loss, but they’re not for everyone.Still, anyone considering taking berberine should first ask their health care provider.One of the supplement’s main functions is to trigger an important enzyme, AMPK (activated protein kinase), that controls your metabolism, the process in which your body turns what you eat and drink into energy. Initially 143 cases with excess weight preferred the diet and 162 of them preferred the metformin therapy. Methods Consecutive cases with excess weight, aged between 50 and 70 years and desiring weight loss, were divided into two subgroups according to wishes of patients about whether they prefer medication or just a diet. Background The prevalence of excess weight, including overweight and obesity, is increasing with a high cost on health in society. Get articles and stories about health, wellness, medicine, science and education delivered right to your inbox from the experts at Ohio State. Does berberine really help with weight loss? According to research published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy, people who took 2.4 mg of semaglutide—the highest dosage of the weight loss drug Wegovy—lost up to 17 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks. It also prevents big spikes and drops in blood sugar that can leave you feeling hungry or craving sweets.” Over time, this can help you reduce your overall calorie intake and enable your body to store less fat. “Metformin helps with weight loss by making your body better at handling sugar,” Dr. Pobee explains. How metformin supports long-term weight loss Metformin is a medication in the biguanide class, primarily used to help manage blood sugar levels. Originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes, metformin is also used in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. Whether you’re taking metformin for type 2 diabetes or off-label for a different reason, potential side effects overlap, according to Sood. When you start taking metformin, keep a journal or use an app to track not only your weight but also other health metrics like your waist size, how your clothes fit and improvements in energy or cravings, says Dr. Pobee. While metformin may help with long-term weight loss, you may find yourself feeling impatient about the gradual pace. Does berberine reduce belly fat? In some people, metformin may lead to weight reduction.“Metformin is more affordable, has a long track record of safety and is easier to tolerate for many people,” says Phyllis Pobee, MD, a triple-board certified genetic weight loss physician.Get articles and stories about health, wellness, medicine, science and education delivered right to your inbox from the experts at Ohio State.Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions.Metformin is sometimes used during pregnancy, particularly for gestational diabetes or insulin resistance in PCOS.Metformin is FDA-approved for managing blood glucose levels in adults and children over 10 years with type 2 diabetes.However, its potential use in non-diabetic individuals for weight reduction remains an area of ongoing research.But does it really work as well as Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications to help you lose weight and keep your blood sugar levels in check?You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. Still, it’s best to always talk with your health care provider before trying berberine or other supplements. Berberine can also help your body respond to insulin better, but not likely as well as metformin. When less glucose is taken up by the cells and used as energy, the glucose remains in your blood, leading to higher blood glucose levels. Some studies show modest weight loss — between 5% and 7% of body weight. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. “Walking is one of the best exercises you can do while taking metformin,” Dr. Pobee says. But researchers continued to track participants for 15 years and found that they also kept the weight off, and even continued to lose. Metformin is a generic medication that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes. Interest in weight management has increased in recent years—especially as new therapies emerge. Gilden is very involved in education in obesity medicine, lecturing in one of the obesity medicine board review courses and serving as the lead author on the Annals of Internal Medicine article "In the Clinic" on obesity. Talk with your doctor about other treatments you’re currently taking before starting metformin. Dr. Sood adds that this helps insulin to work more efficiently. Your provider may recommend adjusting your medication schedule or monitoring certain lab values if interactions are possible. While metformin is generally well tolerated, it may not suit everyone. Metformin works by targeting multiple pathways involved in glucose regulation. Its chemical name is 1,1-dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride, and it has been widely prescribed for decades as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, its potential use in non-diabetic individuals for weight reduction remains an area of ongoing research. By comparison, a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients on metformin lost at least 5 percent of their body weight in the first year. “Metformin is more affordable, has a long track record of safety and is easier to tolerate for many people,” says Phyllis Pobee, MD, a triple-board certified genetic weight loss physician. Would you ever try metformin for weight loss? One approach may be to start by taking berberine for three months, then have your blood tested to see if your A1C went down and check your weight again. Still, anyone considering taking berberine should first ask their health care provider. Metformin and Parameters of Physical Health You need to be cautious if you’re also taking a potentially toxic medicine such as cyclosporine. A rare side effect of berberine is liver toxicity. Taking two to three capsules throughout the day would total 1,000 to 1,500 mg of berberine. The better your glucose is controlled, the better chances you have of losing weight. One of the supplement’s main functions is to trigger an important enzyme, AMPK (activated protein kinase), that controls your metabolism, the process in which your body turns what you eat and drink into energy. The short answer is no — berberine isn’t as effective as GLP-1 medications. You can support more innovations fueling advances across medicine, science, health and wellness by giving today. It Limits Liver Glucose Production and Improves Insulin Sensitivity Discontinuation may be necessary due to side effects, lack of effectiveness, or changes in kidney or liver function. Its use while nursing should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider. Metformin is sometimes used during pregnancy, particularly for gestational diabetes or insulin resistance in PCOS. Sometimes, lower doses may be appropriate, or alternative medications may be considered if renal function declines. In pediatric patients, dosing is weight-based and closely monitored to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. For this reason, kidney function should be regularly monitored in this age group using tests like estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Metformin is FDA-approved for use in children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. Metformin has been widely studied and used across various age groups and health conditions. Metformin is usually taken with meals to reduce GI discomfort. Your source for health, wellness, innovation and discovery news from the experts at Ohio State. Benjamin Poulose, MD, explains how abdominal core strength plays a crucial role in how well you feel and function in your daily life. Intuitive eating is about listening to your body and making peace with food. Ditch the fads and start taking real steps to improving your health with the nutrition and dietary experts from Ohio State. We’re all different, so we react to supplements and medications differently. It is used off-label to help manage PCOS, where insulin resistance often contributes to symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and weight gain. Talk with your doctor if you are taking metformin and begin to experience any side effects. Metformin is the most common treatment for type 2 diabetes because it mainly acts by lowering the amount of glucose released by the liver, according to Minisha Sood, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist in New York City. It’s no secret that improving your sleep habits can help you hit your weight loss goals faster. Pair metformin with healthy habits like daily movement and a balanced diet,” Dr. Pobee says. Researchers are exploring how metformin may influence gut microbiota, inflammatory markers, and insulin resistance in new ways. Ongoing studies continue to explore metformin’s potential beyond diabetes. Always discuss supplement use with a healthcare provider. Some supplements claim to support weight loss, but most lack strong clinical evidence. Each has unique benefits and risks and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider based on individual medical history. Most berberine supplements contain 500 mg per capsule, and supplement labels often recommend taking berberine three times per day, before meals.Although metformin is not FDA-approved for weight loss, several studies have investigated its effects on body weight across different populations.Before starting metformin, a healthcare provider will assess kidney and liver function through lab tests and review a patient’s medical history to ensure it is safe.Ongoing studies continue to explore metformin’s potential beyond diabetes.It’s no secret that improving your sleep habits can help you hit your weight loss goals faster.“It reduces the amount of sugar your liver makes and helps your cells use sugar for energy instead of storing it as fat.Your provider may recommend adjusting your medication schedule or monitoring certain lab values if interactions are possible. While metformin isn’t approved as a weight-loss drug, many people shed a few pounds after they start taking it, and some doctors will prescribe metformin off-label for weight loss. Taking metformin, you would typically see a faster and more significant decline in your A1C hemoglobin levels — your blood glucose levels averaged over a period of three months. Effectiveness of metformin on weight loss in non-diabetic individuals with obesity. Combining Metformin with Other Weight Loss Strategies “When insulin works better — and insulin sensitivity improves — a person’s insulin levels are lower than they would be otherwise,” she says, adding that this is key for weight loss and weight management.Top 6 functional medicine labs to test for root cause of PCOS.Metformin works by targeting multiple pathways involved in glucose regulation.Consider berberine an option for you to lose some weight and reduce your blood sugar levels.“Walking is one of the best exercises you can do while taking metformin,” Dr. Pobee says.Berberine can also help your body respond to insulin better, but not likely as well as metformin.In pediatric patients, dosing is weight-based and closely monitored to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.Dr. Sood adds that this helps insulin to work more efficiently. In that case, you may have to take medication such as a GLP-1 or metformin to meet your goals. Sometimes, a supplement such as berberine is effective until it isn’t. There’s little data on using berberine long-term. Metformin can interact with other medications and substances, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Before using metformin for any off-label purpose, it's essential to understand its safety and potential side effects. A licensed healthcare provider should guide any off-label use based on individual clinical judgment. Most berberine supplements contain 500 mg per capsule, and supplement labels often recommend taking berberine three times per day, before meals. If you’re taking berberine, you likely won’t see a decline in your A1C until three to six months after you begin taking the supplement. As a result, glucose isn’t entering the cells as much as it had been. That’s when their cells aren’t responding as well to insulin as they used to. If your goal is to shed some pounds and you decide to try berberine, it’s also necessary to make other dietary changes as well to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients, such as fiber and protein. Pediatric endocrinologists may also recommend lifestyle modifications alongside metformin to support healthy growth and metabolic function. A healthcare provider should periodically review long-term use to assess benefits, side effects, and the need for continued therapy. Dosing for weight-related effects is not standardized, and any off-label use should be overseen by a healthcare professional. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using. In some people, metformin may lead to weight reduction. Sometimes, lower doses may be appropriate, or alternative medications may be considered if renal function declines.Older adults are more likely to have reduced kidney function, which can increase the risk of metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis.According to research published in the journal Biology, berberine can help lower blood glucose levels, boost insulin production and reduce insulin resistance.A trial looking at metformin to reduce the risk of cancer in people with Li Fraumeni Syndrome (MILI).Metformin is FDA-approved for use in children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. “When insulin works better — and insulin sensitivity improves — a person’s insulin levels are lower than they would be otherwise,” she says, adding that this is key for weight loss and weight management. This may help enhance the weight loss effects of metformin, but always talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your daily routine. By helping your cells use glucose more efficiently, berberine can also support weight loss. So while metformin may not offer the same dramatic results as weight loss medications like Wegovy, it can be an effective option for long-term weight loss. According to research published in the journal Biology, berberine can help lower blood glucose levels, boost insulin production and reduce insulin resistance. Consider berberine an option for you to lose some weight and reduce your blood sugar levels. Extended-release (ER) versions of metformin may reduce gastrointestinal side effects and offer more stable blood levels. Although metformin is not FDA-approved for weight loss, several studies have investigated its effects on body weight across different populations. The medication metformin is currently the gold standard for helping people bring down high blood glucose levels. While metformin is generally well tolerated, it may not suit everyone.Taking two to three capsules throughout the day would total 1,000 to 1,500 mg of berberine.The medication metformin is currently the gold standard for helping people bring down high blood glucose levels.Talk with your doctor about other treatments you’re currently taking before starting metformin.As a result, glucose isn’t entering the cells as much as it had been.Metformin has been widely studied and used across various age groups and health conditions.You know that a healthy diet and regular exercise are important parts of any weight loss plan. “It reduces the amount of sugar your liver makes and helps your cells use sugar for energy instead of storing it as fat. Here, we explain everything you need to know about metformin and how it could help you lose weight fast. Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have made waves for weight loss, but they’re not for everyone. Effect of metformin on kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and moderate chronic kidney disease. A trial looking at metformin to reduce the risk of cancer in people with Li Fraumeni Syndrome (MILI). Older adults are more likely to have reduced kidney function, which can increase the risk of metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis. However, it’s been shown to help people lose some weight and lower their blood sugar levels. But does it really work as well as Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications to help you lose weight and keep your blood sugar levels in check? Before starting metformin, a healthcare provider will assess kidney and liver function through lab tests and review a patient’s medical history to ensure it is safe. Metformin is FDA-approved for managing blood glucose levels in adults and children over 10 years with type 2 diabetes. Before exploring its role in weight loss, it’s helpful to understand what metformin is and how it works in the body. Social media influencers have called the supplement berberine “nature’s Ozempic.” Get the latest health tips and articles delivered directly to your inbox. Join healthcare leaders for live online sessions and Q&A — delivering evidence-based strategies to guide patients toward lasting longevity. Other options are available for individuals who do not tolerate or respond to metformin. Metformin works best when paired with healthy lifestyle changes. Proper monitoring supports both safety and effectiveness when using metformin. While some studies suggest that it may be safe in pregnancy, the decision to use metformin must be individualized and made under the guidance of an obstetrician.