Is metformin a weight-loss medication?

Metformin isn’t technically a weight-loss medication. It’s a glucose-lowering drug that was made for type 2 diabetes, and it works by improving insulin sensitivity.

That said, some people do lose weight on metformin, in one of our Alloy discussions Dr. Alexandra Sowa notes that people can lose up to about 6% of total body weight on it, even without type 2 diabetes, especially if there’s mild insulin resistance. It’s generally not as strong for weight loss as GLP-1 medications.

If you want to hear our doctors talk through metformin vs GLP-1s:

• Dr. Sowa on What’s Really Behind Menopausal Weight Gain—and How to Treat It | Dr. Alexandra Sowa - Metformin vs. GLP-1 Medications

• Dr. Salas-Whalen on Menopause & Weight Gain | Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen - Metformin and Weight Loss

If you’re exploring medication options specifically for weight loss, at Alloy our Weight Care program focuses on GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, you can read more here: Weight Care Program Weight Care Program

This answer was created using the following resources:

• What’s Really Behind Menopausal Weight Gain—and How to Treat It | Dr. Alexandra Sowa - Metformin vs. GLP-1 Medications

• Menopause & Weight Gain | Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen - Metformin and Weight Loss

• Why Is Midlife Weight Gain So Hard to Lose?

• Start Your Weight Care Journey with Alloy

• Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Safe? | GLP-1 Side Effects

• How GLP-1s Support Weight Loss & Metabolic Health