Metformin and induction or owl

[possysmith]

Hi
I was wondering if taking Metformin during the induction phase or owl would enhance weight loss. Would Metformin be safe during ketosis. Is anyone taking it whilst on these phases of Atkins?
Sue

[biogeek]

Hi Sue,

Metformin doesn't work the same for all people. For some, yes, it does enhance weightloss in most phases of this WOE. For others, it helps a little to no effect on weightloss. It is safe during ketosis/induction.

One should not take Metformin strickly for weightloss...it is not a magic bullet. Most experience gastric upset, diarrhea, nausea, etc, as they gradually increase their dosage.

And yes, many people are on it while during Atkins.

Good luck!

[possysmith]

Hi

I might try the Metformin and see how I go. I have taken it before and lost 3 kg or about 6 pounds just by taking it. I was worried about taking Met in case it stressed my kidneys or acidified my system too much. I was sure how ketosis mixed with the effects of Met. I hope my body can cope with all the detoxifying of the ketones and Met. I will drink lots of water.
Thank you so much
Sue

[annRN]

I am taking Fortamet (the extended release version of Metformin). It hasn't caused me any issues with Atkins, but it hasn't increased my weight loss on or off the diet, either.

[indymom]

I was just prescribed metformin..but havent started taking it yet. Im hoping against hope diet alone will help. I kept going back and forth, on the one hand anything that can help weight loss would be great....but theres always a price to pay. I have liver problems and dont need to add another medication to the list. I dont want to treat a symptom i want to treat the cause (which for me is probably the carb intolerance). im giving it 6 wks..if diet alone doesnt show improvement..i can always add the pill.
Has the metformin helped your PCOS? Or maybe the better question is can diet and exercise alone help pcos and insulin resistence? My dr is clueless about nutritional approaches to anything.

[annRN]

I haven't found that much difference on the Metformin, but I know a lot of women who have seen a difference. I know women who say it has not only helped with weight loss, but that it had decreased symptoms like hirsutism and skin tags, has regulated their period. I also know women who ovulated on their own, for the first time every, after being on Met for about a year or so.

It is hard for me to say, personally, because I have been TTC for over two and a half years. I have been on so many fertility drugs and have to take progesterone to start each period. Right now I am taking a break from treatment, so I may be able to have a better idea if the Met is actually doing anything...

I am pretty sure that Metformin is metabolized in the kidneys, not liver, so you may not need to worry. I know many, many women who have been on this drug for years without any adverse effects. You may want to google it and find out about the metabolism process, because it may be liver... The hyperinsulinemia associated with PCOS is really the cause for all the other symptoms, because having all the extra insulin screws up your hormones and causes the hair growth, cysts, skin tags, weight gain, etc. Metformin, therefore, attacks the cause of the problem.

Good luck with your PCOS and with Atkins!

[indymom]

thanks Ann
My dr is willing for me to try it...but then again..its not his life on the line..lol
Im not looking to conceive..just reduce hyperinsulism and those related symptoms.
this is what i found on liver and metformin:





It is also important for your liver to be working normally when you take GLUCOPHAGE or GLUCOPHAGE XR. Your liver helps remove lactic acid from your blood.

Make sure you tell your doctor before you use GLUCOPHAGE or GLUCOPHAGE XR if you have kidney or liver problems. You should also stop using GLUCOPHAGE or GLUCOPHAGE XR and call your doctor right away if you have signs of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital.
Although rare, if lactic acidosis does occur, it can be fatal in up to half the people who develop it.

[annRN]

Good to know about the liver issues. I think I remember reading about the lactic acidosis, but I have been on it so long, I obviously don't remember everything!

Good luck to you!

[KryssieLyn]

I LOVE my Met and would never give it up. Not only did it help me to ovulate regularly and upped my basal body temp to a normal range AND bring my insulin levels to a very normal range, but it is the key factor in my being successful on Atkins again. Last time I did Atkins, I was not being treated for my PCOS and I got down to 140 lbs and that was it. I couldn't lose any more. I was staying at or below induction levels, running at least 3x a week and nothing. My body just wouldnt give up the weight. Now with the Met, I am losing on a fairly high level of carbs (around 30), hardly any exercise (I know, I'm trying to get more in) and I am lower now than I have been since high school. I LOVE MY MET!!!

[bananaboat]

Hi all. I'm so glad there's a PCOS section for these boards!
I started on met about a month ago, and I started into induction last week-- it makes me pretty food averse and sometimes I feel really sleepy. I am only taking 1000 mg a day, what dosages do guys take?