Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by
Almost all of us want to lose weight without spending hours in the gym. Believing that metformin and Ozempic are essential in losing weight? Here is the truth: these two medicines and must be taken under the supervision of a professional doctor or nutritionist so that they can perform well for the desired purpose.
Metformin and Ozempic are not synonymous, but it is possible for both drugs to be used in conjunction to help a person lose weight. After all, if you want to take control of your weight, then this is the way to go. Here is why: I’m going to talk about Metformin And Ozempic For Weight Loss, make sure you read this article.
Metformin And Ozempic For Weight Loss

Ozempic and metformin are both medications that help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. They can be prescribed separately or together. Let’s explore.
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What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (the brand name for semaglutide) is a pre-filled prescription injection pen that helps people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. A person uses the pen to inject the medicine into their abdomen, upper arm, or thigh weekly. Ozempic can be taken with or without meals (DailyMed, 2022).
Ozempic is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. It may be used in combination with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, or with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or insulin (CADTH, 2019; Chamberlin, 2019). In addition to lowering blood sugar levels, Ozempic also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events—such as stroke, heart attack, or death—in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease (DailyMed, 2022).
Because Ozempic reduces appetite, it may be prescribed off-label to help people with overweight or obesity to lose weight. Though it’s not yet FDA-approved for this purpose, studies show that, when combined with diet and exercise, Ozempic can improve weight loss (O’Neil, 2018; Wilding, 2021).
Side effects of Ozempic
Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are experienced by around one in three people (Chamberlin, 2019). Less frequent side effects include abdominal pain or constipation. Some people may experience discomfort or redness at the spot where they injected Ozempic (DailyMed, 2022).
Who shouldn’t take Ozempic?
Using Ozempic may increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if taken with other diabetes medications like insulin. Ozempic may also increase your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (vision loss caused by diabetes), gallbladder problems, or gastrointestinal disorders (Wilding, 2021; DailyMed, 2022). Ozempic should not be used by children or by people who (Chamberlin; 2019; DailyMed, 2022):
- Have pancreatitis
- Have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer
- Have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a “black box” warning for Ozempic. This is the most severe advisory they issue for a medication. Animal studies have found that Ozempic increases the risk of thyroid tumors in humans. While it is not known if it has the same effect in humans, people with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, or who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, should not use Ozempic (FDA, 2020; DailyMed, 2022).GLP-1 agonists: diabetes medication for weight loss
What is metformin?
Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children ten years and older. It is a daily oral medication that should be taken with meals to avoid an upset stomach. Metformin may be prescribed from the outset of diagnosis, or if lifestyle changes like diet and exercise do not effectively lower blood sugar levels. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes, and to prevent PCOS and type 2 diabetes (Corcoran, 2022).
Like Ozempic, Metformin is only used to treat type 2 diabetes, and not type 1 diabetes. Unlike Ozempic, metformin is taken orally (Corcoran, 2022).
Side effects of metformin
Similar to Ozempic, metformin is generally considered safe. A little less than one in three people may experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Less common side effects include (Corcoran, 2022):
- Chest discomfort
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Runny nose
- Weakness
With long-term use of metformin, some people may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency and need to take supplements (Corcoran, 2022).Metformin: interactions, side effects, and warnings
Who shouldn’t take metformin?
People who are pregnant, younger than ten years old, or with reduced kidney or liver function should not use metformin (Corcoran, 2022).
Metformin comes with a “black box” warning. One in 30,000 people who take metformin may experience lactic acidosis, a condition that causes lactic acid to build up in the body. Lactic acidosis can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure), hypothermia, and death. People at increased risk of developing lactic acidosis when taking metformin include people who (DailyMed, 2021):
- Are older
- Have poor kidney or liver function
- Have hypoxia (low oxygen levels)
- Have surgery
- Abuse alcohol
Should you take metformin and Ozempic for weight loss?
Obesity has been linked to insulin resistance in people without diabetes. Because metformin lowers insulin resistance, metformin can help people with overweight and obesity—including those without type 2 diabetes—lose weight, perhaps by improving their insulin sensitivity (Seifarth, 2013).
Since Ozempic may reduce appetite, it may further improve blood glucose levels and weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes (Wilding, 2021). Combining metformin and Ozempic may enhance the effectiveness of both drugs (Bennett, 2011).
You can take Ozempic and metformin together or separately. When taken together, the side effects are usually the same as those experienced when taking these medications on their own. Usually, they include mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea (Hausner, 2017).Topamax for weight loss: uses, dosage, side effects
Ozempic vs. metformin: how do they compare?

Ozempic and metformin are both medications that treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels, with similar side effects. Key differences include how you take the medicine and their interactions with other drugs and alcohol.
Metformin is a daily oral medication, while Ozempic is a pre-filled pen that you inject weekly. While Ozempic can be injected with or without meals, you should always take metformin with meals (DailyMed, 2022; Corcoran, 2022).
Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking metformin, as it can increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis (Corcoran, 2022). The effects of alcohol on Ozempic are not known. However, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and lead to hypoglycemia, so people with type 2 diabetes are advised to consume alcohol in moderation and to avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach to lower their risk. People with type 2 diabetes and certain other conditions, such as high blood pressure or liver problems, should avoid drinking alcohol entirely (Asif, 2014).
Both Ozempic and metformin may change how you use other diabetes drugs. For example, Ozempic and insulin can be more effective together in improving glycemic control and weight loss, but the insulin dosage may need to be adjusted to avoid hypoglycemia (Chamberlin, 2019). Additionally, metformin may interact with certain drugs, increasing the risk of developing lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia (Corcoran, 2022).
Let’s review how these drugs compare:

If you are interested in learning more about Ozempic and metformin, for diabetes management or weight loss, talk to your healthcare provider.
Metformin vs Ozempic: Which is Better?
Managing your type 2 diabetes with healthy lifestyle habits is ideal, but some people have to take medication to keep their blood glucose levels in check.
There are several options for medication to treat type 2 diabetes, so it can get confusing.
Some of the older medications like metformin are still commonly used, but what about some newer medications like Ozempic?
Let’s compare both these medications and look at their pros and cons.
What is metformin?
Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes. Metformin is the generic name most commonly prescribed, and the brand name for metformin is Glucophage. You take metformin orally in the form of tablets.
The standard dosage for metformin ranges from 500 milligrams to a maximum of 2,550 milligrams per day. Doctors usually recommend you to split the dose among meals, typically three times per day.
Metformin is in a drug class called biguanides. Biguanides help reduce the amount of sugar your liver makes while improving insulin sensitivity, which helps reduce high blood sugar. There are two types of metformin – regular and extended-release (XR).
Metformin doesn’t cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which is one of its major benefits. Because it doesn’t cause low blood sugar, people with type 2 diabetes can take metformin with other medications like sulfonylureas and injectable insulin.
While metformin is most commonly used for type 2 diabetes, it’s also used to help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder in women often stemming from insulin resistance.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name for the generic medication semaglutide. Ozmepic is in a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 receptors in your pancreas help increase insulin secretion while reducing glucagon secretion, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. GLP-1 receptor agonists activate these receptors to help control blood sugar levels.
Ozempic may promote weight loss because it helps reduce hunger and promotes fullness by slowing stomach emptying. Slowed stomach emptying can also help promote more stable blood sugar levels.
Ozempic is an injectable non-insulin medication for type 2 diabetes. The typical dose of Ozempic is 0.25 milligrams once weekly for four weeks, then 0.5 milligrams weekly for at least four weeks. If patients don’t meet their blood sugar targets with 0.5 milligrams weekly, their doctor can increase the dose to a maximum of 2 milligrams weekly.
Metformin vs ozempic effectiveness for diabetes
Effectiveness of metformin
Metformin is an effective medication for treating type 2 diabetes. It’s usually the first medication prescribed once you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Patients can use metformin with other diabetes medications such as insulin, sulfonylureas, and some of the newer diabetes medications, including non-insulin injectables.
According to studies, metformin effectively lowers both fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels. The reduction in blood sugar levels appears to be dose-dependent, meaning the more metformin you take, the better your blood sugar levels might be.
Metformin can lower blood sugar levels in obese and non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes. One study found that hemoglobin A1c levels dropped by a little over 1% in obese and non-obese patients after 12 months of taking metformin.
Effectiveness of Ozempic
Ozempic tends to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. One study specifically mentioned that Ozempic could be beneficial for those who don’t tolerate metformin or those whose blood sugar levels aren’t well-controlled on metformin.
According to clinical studies, Ozempic lowered A1c levels by around 1.5% after 30 weeks and lowered A1c levels by around 1% by week 8 of a 56-week study.
Ozempic helps promote weight loss, but it isn’t a weight-loss drug. According to a clinical trial, participants experienced a 15-18% weight loss, which is significant. Losing 5-10% of your body weight can improve insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar levels.

Benefits of metformin vs ozempic
Benefits of metformin
- Metformin is an oral medication, whereas Ozempic is injectible. For patients who don’t like or fear needles, metformin is more advantageous.
- Metformin doesn’t cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- In terms of price, metformin tends to be less expensive than Ozempic, which is a newer medication that costs more.
- Patients can use metformin in combination with many other medications for type 2 diabetes.
- Metformin can be used during pregnancy (FDA category B). Ozempic isn’t recommended during or two months before pregnancy because it could cause harm to your baby.
- If you have gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), you can use metformin, whereas Ozempic can worsen gastroparesis symptoms.
Benefits of Ozempic
- Dosing is once-weekly, which is easier than taking pills at least once (if not several) times every day.
- Ozempic weight loss appears to be more significant than metformin weight loss.
- When added to other medications for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic can significantly improve blood sugar control.
- Like metformin, Ozempic doesn’t cause low blood sugar.
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What are the side effects of each medication?
Every medication comes with potential side effects. Below, we discuss the possible side effects of both metformin and ozempic.
Metformin side effects
Common side effects of metformin include:
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Metallic taste in your mouth
Rarely, metformin may cause lactic acidosis if you take too much (more than prescribed). Lactic acidosis is rare, but it is very dangerous.
Ozempic side effects
The most common Ozempic side effects patients report include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- There is a chance that Ozempic may cause thyroid cancer. You shouldn’t take Ozempic if you have a history of thyroid cancer or a thyroid tumor. You should also avoid taking Ozempic if anyone in your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a type of thyroid cancer.
- According to clinical trials, Ozempic may cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of your pancreas.
- Ozempic may worsen diabetic retinopathy, which is when the nerves in your eyes are damaged from high blood sugar.
Which medication is cheaper?
If you have medical insurance, it will depend on your coverage to determine which medication is less expensive.
The cost of medications also depends on which pharmacy you buy them from. However, without and without medical insurance, metformin tends to be significantly more affordable.
According to GoodRx, 60 tablets of 500 milligrams of metformin cost around $13, while a prefilled pen containing 2 milligrams of Ozempic is in the $800-$900 range.
If your medications are too expensive, you can ask your healthcare provider to prescribe a generic medication instead of a brand name. This can drastically reduce the cost and make your medication more affordable.

Ease of use for metformin vs ozempic
Ozempic is a once-weekly injection, which is more convenient if you don’t mind needles and injectable medication. Once-weekly medications are great if you tend to forget to take your medicine, travel often, or experience other factors that make it difficult to take a daily medication.
Metformin is an oral medication you take once to three times daily, which isn’t as convenient. If you’re afraid of needles or dislike injectable medication, metformin is more convenient.
Ozempic vs Metformin for weight loss
Metformin and weight loss
Metformin isn’t considered a weight-loss drug, but studies have shown it can produce modest weight loss for some people. According to a study on non-diabetic individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 27, taking metformin resulted in more weight loss compared to the control group.
According to that same study, metformin was more effective in producing weight loss when the participants were considered “severely” insulin-resistant compared to insulin-sensitive patients.
The group receiving up to 2,500 milligrams of metformin daily for six months lost an average of nearly 13 pounds, while the group that didn’t receive metformin gained weight on average.
A review of over 30 clinical trials summarized that taking metformin significantly reduced both weight and BMI. Researchers noted that 2,000 milligrams per day could be suitable for adolescents, while doses of 1,000 milligrams or 3,000 milligrams daily were the most effective for metformin weight loss.
Ozempic for weight loss
Ozempic may cause more significant weight loss compared to metformin. In a study on over 1,900 people (without diabetes) considered overweight or obese, taking 2.4 milligrams of Ozempic weekly resulted in an average weight loss of nearly 15% compared to 2.4% with the placebo group.
According to a 40-week trial on people with type 2 diabetes who were also taking metformin, people taking 0.5 milligrams of Ozempic weekly lost an average of 9.3 pounds (the average starting weight was 213 pounds) or about 4% of their body weight.
People taking 1 milligram of Ozempic weekly lost an average of 12.8 pounds (average starting weight of 211 pounds) or around 6% of their body weight.
Insulin resistance is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes and can make it hard to lose weight. Weight loss of at least 5% is significant and can improve insulin resistance, which might make achieving weight loss through healthy lifestyle habits easier.

Ozempic vs metformin for PCOS
Metformin for PCOS
Metformin is often used off-label to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition where a woman’s ovaries produce too many androgens, a type of male sex hormone. The ovaries also form many small, fluid-filled sacs called cysts.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. High levels of androgens can make it difficult to ovulate, which is when an egg is released to be fertilized. PCOS patients typically have long, irregular menstrual cycles since they don’t ovulate very often.
Metformin helps treat the root cause of PCOS, which is insulin resistance. This medication helps sensitize cells to insulin which helps lower blood sugar levels. Metformin may help improve hormonal imbalances and regulate irregular menstrual cycles.
Metformin treatment might help increase ovulation rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Studies have shown taking metformin for PCOS can inhibit androgen production, which can help lessen some of the unwanted side effects of PCOS, like unwanted hair growth.
Lowering testosterone levels, the main androgen, may help achieve better hormonal balance helping to regulate menstrual cycles.
A study found that obese women lost weight due to metformin treatment. Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and improve PCOS symptoms.
Ozempic for PCOS
Like metformin, Ozempic isn’t meant to be used to treat PCOS but may be used off-label to do so. Since Ozempic can improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss, it may improve symptoms of PCOS.
Health insurance companies might not cover Ozempic if you have PCOS but don’t have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
If you have PCOS and diabetes, Ozempic might be a beneficial medication to improve PCOS symptoms related to insulin resistance.
Can you take metformin with ozempic?
Metformin and Ozempic can safely be taken together. Your provider might recommend adding Ozempic to your regimen if metformin is no longer effective at controlling your blood sugar levels.
Ozempic and metformin both have a low risk of causing low blood sugar, which is one of the reasons patients can safely take them together.
Taking Ozempic with medication that can cause low blood sugar, like insulin and sulfonylureas, can result in low blood sugar. Therefore, you should consult with your healthcare provider about these risks