How does metformin compare with GLP-1 medications for weight loss?
Metformin and GLP-1 medications both come up in weight loss conversations, but they work differently and produce very different results.
How GLP-1 medications work
Alloy offers three GLP-1 medications through our Weight Care program: Zepbound, Wegovy, and compounded liraglutide.
GLP-1 medications mimic a hormone your body already makes. They reduce hunger and cravings, slow digestion so you stay full longer, and improve your insulin response. The net effect is that most people eat less without feeling like they're fighting their appetite all day.
In clinical trials, average weight loss looked like this:
Zepbound: about 20 percent of body weight over 12 months
Wegovy: about 15 percent of body weight over 12 months
Compounded liraglutide: about 5 to 10 percent over several months More on how they work: How GLP-1s Support Weight Loss & Metabolic Health Program details: Weight Care Program
Metformin
Metformin is a diabetes medication. It lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity, and some people do lose weight on it. But the weight loss is usually modest and inconsistent. It is also not FDA approved for weight loss, while GLP-1 medications are FDA approved specifically for obesity and chronic weight management.
How they compare for weight loss
There is a real gap here. GLP-1 medications produce more weight loss, and that weight loss tends to stick around longer. The reason is fairly straightforward: GLP-1s act on appetite regulation in the brain, which is a more direct path to changing how much you eat. Metformin's effect on weight is smaller and varies a lot from person to person.
For women in perimenopause or menopause, where hormonal shifts can make weight harder to lose, GLP-1 medications tend to be the more effective option. They work well alongside lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, MHT.
Alloy's menopause-trained doctors review your full health history before recommending a GLP-1. If you'd like to see whether you qualify, you can start here: Start Your Weight Care Journey with Alloy
This answer was created using the following resources: