How Metformin Works

Metformin falls into a class of drugs referred to as biguanides, medications that help decrease the amount of glucose your liver produces, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Metformin also decreases the amount of glucose your body absorbs from the food you eat and improves your body’s response to insulin, according to MedlinePlus. Despite these positive effects on blood glucose regulation, it’s important to pair metformin use with a healthy diet and regular physical activity for best results.

What to Eat When Taking Metformin for Weight Loss

Although there isn’t a specific diet recommended for people taking metformin, prioritizing a balance of nutrient-dense, whole foods is essential to supporting weight loss goals alongside the use of this medication, as well as staving off a host of chronic health conditions, according to StatPearls.

During digestion and metabolism, certain types of foods, namely carbohydrate-containing foods, per StatPearls, get broken down into glucose, which your body then uses to supply your cells with energy. If you have more glucose than your cells need, your body stores it in your liver or muscles for later use or turns it into fat.

According to MedlinePlus, healthy carbohydrate-containing foods include:

• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Breads, starches, grains, and cereals
• Fruit
• Milk and yogurt
• Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and corn

Potential Side Effects of Metformin

Like many prescription medications, metformin may cause uncomfortable side effects that make adhering to an eating plan challenging, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These include:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Increased gas
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

These symptoms tend to be more common in people who are just starting out on the medication. If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal issues, take your medication with food as directed. If symptoms persist, ask your doctor about a lower dose or an extended-release version of metformin.