What is a common side effect of biguanides related to weight?

Prepare for the Houston Methodist Pharmacology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

What is a common side effect of biguanides related to weight?

Biguanides such as metformin often lead to weight loss or weight neutrality. This class improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose production, and metformin can also suppress appetite in some patients. Because it does not stimulate insulin secretion, it tends not to cause weight gain, which is common with other diabetes medications. Clinically, patients on metformin more commonly experience stable or modestly reduced weight rather than weight gain or large weight fluctuations. Therefore, weight loss is the most accurate description of the weight-related side effect associated with biguanides.

Biguanides such as metformin often lead to weight loss or weight neutrality. This class improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose production, and metformin can also suppress appetite in some patients. Because it does not stimulate insulin secretion, it tends not to cause weight gain, which is common with other diabetes medications. Clinically, patients on metformin more commonly experience stable or modestly reduced weight rather than weight gain or large weight fluctuations. Therefore, weight loss is the most accurate description of the weight-related side effect associated with biguanides.

More practice questions