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What Causes Weight Loss When On Metformin?

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

Question: I am diabetic since may-2013.My initial medicines were metformin 500mg BD for a year.After that from Feb-2014 it was changed to Metformin 1000mg OD. I lost about five kg weight from 63 kgs. to 58kgs in a year.I told my doc that i want to regain my weight.I was prescribed Pioglitazone 15 mg alongwith 500 mg metformin OD.My fasting is coming 120 and PP 175.Also the weight is also not increasing.Kindly advice

Answered by Dr. Niranjan G (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
please check your thyroid hormone levels.

Detailed Answer:
Dear friend, greetings form HCM. I understand your concern. But being lighter us adviced in diabetes you need to maintain it. Why do you need to gain weight ? In addition you are taking metformin . and pioglitazone . both are good drugs your sugar levels are now in control. Please check your HbA1c and mocroalbuminuria done that will give us better indication of your sugar control.
Please check your thyroid hormone levels done. Some times hyperthyroidism might result in unusual weight loss.
Take healthy food and more of green leafy vegetables, fruits, other fiber rich diet.
Do exercise daily and helps in insulin action .
Do feel free to ask more questions
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Niranjan G (54 minutes later)

My Height is 5'7 hence I consider myself to be underwight by atleast 5 kgs.Anyway i want to increse my weight to my pre diabetic state which was around 63 kg.All my clothes hang loosely and i feel a bit depressed.Also a Doctor friend of mine advised to take Glycomet GP1 OD.Although i have not started it.

Answered by Dr. Niranjan G (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get your HbA1c and thyroid profile before changing

Detailed Answer:
Dear friend, thanks for your reply. Yes I understand you loosing weight in quick time could be due to lack of proper nutrition , hyperthyroidism good to get your thyroid hormone levels, HbA1c, microalbuminuria and lipid profile done then we can take decision on your treatment change .
Meanwhile, take proper nutrition . take more of green leafy vegetables, fruits . egg white, fish, sprouts, milets and nuts . that gives you good proteins and micro nutrients too. Take care and do contact us for more questions.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Niranjan G (10 days later)

As advised by you i got my thyroid hormone levels,microalbuminaria,lipid profile done.I have uploaded the reports.Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Niranjan G (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
All the reports are OK no need to panic now

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, greetings . I have gone through all your report s in detail . no need to panic at this stage . just follow what I advised you and repeat the tests after 6 month s . you need not worry for slight higher values . take care and do contact us for any more information. Thanks

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj