Weight loss |
Modified on
You’ve tried every diet and plan out there and finally came across Found. (Welcome!) You like the idea of medication added to your weight care regimen—maybe this is the boost you needed all along. There are a variety of options for medication at Found, but if you’re especially curious about metformin, here’s how it may help you.
Metformin is a plant-derived oral medication that falls under the biguanide drug class. It’s usually prescribed for type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar. And it is used to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But metformin has become increasingly popular among patients with obesity because it is also effective for weight loss—especially when paired with lifestyle changes. What makes Metformin such an all-star choice is that it’s not only one of the safest medications according to the World Health Organization, but it’s inexpensive, making it friendly on the wallet!
Metformin helps regulate the body’s response to insulin by improving its sensitivity to it, and allowing cells to use glucose in your blood more effectively. It also lowers sugar absorption and glucose production. This can all lead to a decreased appetite and reduced fat storage. How does it do this? It amps up levels of the satiety hormone GLP-1, so you feel fuller faster. Metformin may also impact your gut microbiome, which could help with weight loss. A study conducted by the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group found that participants at high risk for diabetes who took metformin lowered their incidence of diabetes compared to placebo by 31% after an average follow-up of 2.8 years.
We’ll be the first ones to tell you that there’s no magic pill for weight loss. (Can we finally shut down that old diet-culture thinking?!) But metformin is an exciting tool that can boost your progress when you pair it with healthy lifestyle habits.
Here’s what we mean by that. In addition to your medication, you should aim to:
Exercise regularly
While movement alone may not make the pounds come off, research suggests that regular exercise can help you maintain your weight loss. (And, of course, there are tons of other health benefits tied to physical activity.) So find a type of movement that you enjoy that raises your heart rate and maybe even makes you break a nice sweat! Aim for at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week and two days of strength training.
Get after those fruits and veg!
Does your coach give you a virtual high-five when they see you consistently logging fruits and vegetables in the app? That’s because a diet rich in produce, high-quality dairy products, lean proteins, and whole grains has been shown to promote weight loss—and maintenance—and overall health.
Prioritize sleep
This isn’t just about the amount of shut-eye you get every night—which, BTW, should be between 7-9 hours—but the quality of rest you get. Poor sleep is known to have a significant impact on your metabolism and how your body manages stress. Better sleep leads to better energy levels and helps you stick to healthy weight care habits like workouts and meal planning.
Stress less
Easier said than done, we know. But it’s important to manage those feelings because, over time, chronic stress can lead to health issues—including excess weight. So as a first step to combating your angst, identify your triggers and come up with a plan to manage them. For example, you could write out an action plan, take a break by simply walking away from the stressor for a bit, talk to a friend or a professional, or add deep breathing and meditation to your daily routine.
It can feel overwhelming when embarking on a weight care journey, starting a new medication, and making changes to your lifestyle and habits. You may need help to figure out where to start. Found is here to help you create realistic goals and sustainable lifestyle changes.
You'll also have one-on-one access to a health coach the first month you're with Found plus an in-app lifestyle change program to help you succeed long-term.
Found offers a science-backed approach to weight care that's based on your unique biology, psychology, lifestyle and prescription medication needs. Members receiving medication plus lifestyle change support from Found lost at least 13% more weight, and in some cases up to 229% more, compared to people receiving the same medication in clinical studies. To start your journey with Found, take our quiz.
