Can You Take Metformin And Ozempic Together For Weight Loss?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, metformin and Ozempic can be taken together for weight loss. Both drugs are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but weight loss is a side-effect of the drugs, even in individuals who don\u2019t have diabetes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Yes, Ozempic and metformin may be taken together<\/a>[1]<\/sup> for weight loss. Both drugs are commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and obesity is a frequent comorbidity and precursor to type 2 diabetes. However, Ozempic and metformin are not specifically approved for weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, weight loss can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and lessen cardiometabolic risk factors<\/a>.[2]<\/sup> With the careful supervision of a healthcare provider, metformin and Ozempic together for weight loss can be a winning strategy to improve your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin and Ozempic can both be prescribed for weight loss, but they work differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin is an oral medication that is primarily used to treat insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Though not officially approved for weight management, some physicians may prescribe metformin for weight loss off-label<\/a>[3]<\/sup> in people who struggle to manage obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pre-diabetic insulin resistance. It works in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ozempic is a once-weekly self-administered injectable that is used for diabetes management and may help with weight loss<\/a>[4]<\/sup> in several key ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a clinical trial featuring Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg), participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight after a 68-week trial that included lifestyle adjustments. Clinical trials<\/a>[5]<\/sup> featuring Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg) found an average loss of more than 5% after 12 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re wondering how long it takes to lose weight<\/a>, you should expect each pound to take up to a week or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diets that focus only on how many calories you should eat<\/a> might fall short of managing your obesity long-term. If your goal is to lose belly fat<\/a> and reduce your risk of metabolic disease, you’ll want to seek out foods that promote low blood sugar<\/a>. Here’s are some foods to avoid or limit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s no secret that an excess of carbs and sugars contribute to a slew of metabolic complications<\/a>.[6]<\/sup>Top culprits of high sugar content include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The list of problem foods for weight loss<\/a>[7]<\/sup> includes those that have been subjected to heavy processing and additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both metformin and Ozempic can cause major stomach upset. Avoiding certain foods can help reduce the risk of this side effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you do take Ozempic and metformin for weight loss, lifestyle improvements are still vital to your long-term success. It’s important that you eat balanced meals on a regular schedule, starting with a healthy breakfast<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All medications cause side effects in certain populations. While both Ozempic and metformin are generally well-tolerated, some users experience side effects. Below are listed the most common side effects and complications of these drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin is generally well-tolerated, but common side effects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ozempic is a powerful medication that can cause some serious side-effects. Some concerns to monitor include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both metformin and GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic can cause digestive upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The risk of these side effects may go up when both drugs are used together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Semaglutide is associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), as it is designed to increase insulin production. When used with other medications that lower blood sugar, the risk can increase. Metformin doesn’t generally cause hypoglycemia, but its combination with Ozempic needs monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The potential kidney issues generated by either drug can turn severe if a patient gets dehydrated due to stomach distress. This is also a reason to minimize sodium intake and avoid drinking alcohol when taking these medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a complete list of possible side effects but includes the most common complications observed in clinical trials<\/a>.[8]<\/sup> To learn about less common side effects, explore the prescribing and safety information for Ozempic<\/a>[9]<\/sup> and metformin<\/a>.[10]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re taking one or both of these drugs for weight loss, our other tips to lose weight<\/a> may help you reach your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are considering combining metformin and Ozempic for weight loss, studies have shown that it can be effective<\/a>.[11]<\/sup> However, this course of treatment isn’t ideal for all patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk with your healthcare provider to evaluate each possible treatment approach’s potential benefits and risks and monitor your progress. You may find that you’re not the best candidate for a prescription diabetes drug and that you might do better with an over-the-counter weight loss<\/a> option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ozempic. A study<\/a>[12]<\/sup> in 2021 indicated that the class of drugs that include Ozempic generates average weight loss of over 5% of body weight, in contrast to less than 3.2% for metformin and similar diabetes drugs.<\/p> <\/div> Patients who start Ozempic and metformin together to lose weight may notice faster\u00a0 weight loss. However, for healthy and sustainable weight loss, the aim should be gradual weight loss.<\/p> <\/div> It depends on the condition you’re trying to treat. Metformin is considered a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and improves insulin sensitivity. Ozempic is also FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but it’s also prescribed off-label for weight loss.<\/p> <\/div> Yes, Ozempic should help with weight loss in non-diabetics<\/a>,[13]<\/sup> and may even yield better results if you don\u2019t have diabetes.<\/p> <\/div> Can You Combine Ozempic And Metformin For Weight loss?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metformin And Ozempic For Weight Loss<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Metformin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Ozempic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Much Weight Can You Lose On Ozempic And Metformin Together?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Foods To Avoid While Taking <\/strong>Ozempic And Metformin Together <\/strong>For Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Foods High in Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Processed Foods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Foods That Can Cause Digestive Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Side Effects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Side Effects Of Metformin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Side Effects Of Ozempic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Side Effects Of Metformin And Ozempic Together<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n