Do I need to be on more Metformin?

kpinkchick · 09-11-2009, 03:37 PM

Hi. I was diagnosed with PCOS in Dec. 2003 and put on Metformin 1,000 mg once a day. I was on it for about 1 year and lost weight 30 lbs with hard work and effort but then went off of it because of insurance and gained about 60 lbs. I went back on Metformin 1,000 mg once a day in July of 2007 also was put on Yaz. In the past 2 years I have lost 60 lbs, but have not really lost anything in the past 6 months. About 2 months ago Dr. increased Metformin to 1,500 mg but it was not made a big difference. I am still 50-60 lbs overweight. I have lost about 5 lbs. in the past 2 months. I eat a well balanced diet most of the time and work out. I also take a multi-vitamin and fish oil.

My question is do I need to be on more Metformin? Or any suggests of other medications or herbal supplements.

Thank you for your help.

KatCarney · 09-11-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpinkchick

I eat a well balanced diet most of the time and work out.

While your diet is 'balanced', is it 'calorie controlled'?

What is your workout program? (ie how many days, how long, how intense, how much cardio, how much strength? progressive intensities?)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpinkchick

My question is do I need to be on more Metformin? Or any suggests of other medications or herbal supplements.

Alternatives are in this sticky from the top of the forum: METFORMIN MUST READ Quick links>> Weight loss, AF, Alternatives, Should I take it?

kpinkchick · 09-11-2009, 05:38 PM

I eat approx. 1200-1400 calories a day. I try to eat complex carbs and high protein. I walk atleast 30 minutes at day at a medium intensity because I start to sweat. I also swim 30 minutes 3 days a week.

KatCarney · 09-11-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpinkchick

I walk atleast 30 minutes at day at a medium intensity because I start to sweat. I also swim 30 minutes 3 days a week.

Assuming your calories are absolutely locked into that range 7 days a week, it's safe to say you can do a lot more when it comes to exercise.

What you're doing now, is certainly more than most people, however, it meets the current standards for 'maintaining' weight - not losing weight.

To lose weight, you'll want to increase your exercise to 60 minutes per day, and increase the intensity. (I wouldn't necessarily judge the intensity by your sweat). Heart rate is a much better way to do it.

Strength training is also a must, so try to aim for at least three, 30-minute total body strength sessions. 45 minutes might even be better.

When those of us at Fit Cysters brought our exercise volume, intensity, and type up...our bodies started changing rapidly.