6 ms·

We have an old, safe, cheap drug for humans already: Metformin. Most people can get an off-label metformin prescription for anti-aging or appetite suppression.

We have an old, safe, cheap drug for humans already: Metformin. Most people can get an off-label metformin prescription for anti-aging or appetite suppression. Your interest in food will be reduced to the point you have trouble keeping weight on. Sugar will be repulsive to you. Sweet food tastes "sickly sweet", nauseating. Metformin also interferes with the absorption of carbohydrates in your gut.

drowsspa 4y ago
I once heard about one drug that basically works by making you nauseous to food. Is it the one? > Metformin is generally safe, but common side effects do include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Those experiencing these unpleasant side effects might consume less food, resulting in modest weight reductions.
- bugfix-66 4y ago
  Many foods you used to like (e.g., sweets) will be nauseating. Other foods remain delicious. For example, eggs and cheese and meat. But basically, your interest in food will be drastically reduced, and you will eat just enough. This is an important part of metformin's beneficial effect on lifespan and health.
  - TylerE 4y ago
    Admittedly, I’m on a fairly low dose (500mg x 2), but I can still kill a bag of Haribo when the mood hits. It doesn’t , quite as often, but I’ve noticed no changes in flavor.
    - bugfix-66 4y ago
      Thanks for the anecdote. Biological variation, we're all different!
  - dwaite 4y ago
    Can you point to any studies around this? I've never heard of this effect (let alone experienced it). I do know that Diabetes itself can reduce the efficiency of taste receptors, and metformin will sometimes cause people to have a metallic taste in their mouth (due to metformin in produced saliva)
    - bugfix-66 4y ago
      It's easy to find studies connecting metformin to weight loss and loss of appetite. I'll leave that to you, just use Google and you'll be swamped with evidence. You say you've never heard of metformin affecting food palatability and taste? Did you search the web at all? Just use Google if you want anecdotal examples. For example: https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/loss-of-appetite-on-metformin.97468/ https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/loss-of-appetit... I joined as after 18 months on metformin, my appetite and enjoyment of food is constantly declining. I’ve lost about 10 kg over that time, which is not a problem. But I’ve lost my appetite and, as a keen cook and someone who has always enjoyed good food, I no longer look forward to meals and get little pleasure from food. or https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/anyone-experience-loss-of-appetite-with-metformin.86526/ https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/anyone-experience-l... Metformin changed the taste of food slowly during the time I took it. It finally got to the point where all vegetables tasted like burnt plastic. This meant that I didn't want to eat them. And so on. Now you've heard of it! All it took was a web search.
- empiricus 4y ago
  You should not feel anything when you take Metformin. Its effects are subtle and very long term.
CharlesW 4y ago
> Most people can get an off-label metformin prescription for anti-aging. Dumb question: How? I'm reasonably certain my GP would not be amenable to being asked to prescribe drugs for off-label use.
- gruez 4y ago
  Off label use is fine. I'd be more worried about the fact that a patient is bring it up out of the blue (ie. "give me drugs plz"), and the evidence for life extension is shaky >There is some evidence metformin may be helpful in extending lifespan, even in otherwise healthy people. It has received substantial interest as an agent that delays aging, possibly through similar mechanisms as its treatment of diabetes (insulin and carbohydrate regulation). This is controversial, and an area of active research.[61][62]
- bugfix-66 4y ago
  Just ask your doctor for it. Say: "Please prescribe me Metformin, 2 grams daily." If you're overweight, tell your doctor you want help with your appetite. Otherwise, say you want metformin for its cancer prevention and anti-aging effects. Metformin is safe and it almost universally improves health and well-being. Your doctor knows this, and she'll gladly prescribe it.
  - dylan604 4y ago
    > Your doctor knows this, and she'll gladly prescribe it. If your doctor gladly prescribes anything you just walk in and ask for by name and dosage and doesn't have a green cross symbol outside their office, then I'd highly suggest seeking out a new doctor.
    - bugfix-66 4y ago
      We're talking about a particular drug here (metformin) not just "anything". I'm saying it's likely your doctor will be willing to prescribe METFORMIN (that drug, in particular) for off-label use if you ask.
anaisbetts 4y ago
A more appropriate drug for this is probably Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide), or an even more effective version available in the US, Tirzepatide. I've personally been on the former and after 4.5 months, I've lost ~20% of my body weight
- bugfix-66 4y ago
  Metformin is well-understood, old, safe, and has various health benefits. Surprisingly, metformin seems to be almost a pure win, even for healthy people: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-drug-202109222605 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-dr... In contrast, GIP analogues like semaglutaide present real risks and are less well understood. For some people, with serious health problems, GIP analogues make sense. But generally you don't want to be taking them if you're healthy.
- bilsbie 4y ago
  Aren’t those hard to get and then super expensive if you do quality?
  - anaisbetts 4y ago
    No idea, in the EU I pay ~85 EUR/mo
DontchaKnowit 4y ago
Yeah tell that to my stress eating family members who all have metformin prescriptions. This may be true for some people but definitely not a universal
- bugfix-66 4y ago
  Here's a question to consider: How much worse would the situation be if they weren't on metformin?
tacitusarc 4y ago
> Because the vast majority of research regarding metformin included only people with diabetes or prediabetes, it’s unclear whether these potential benefits are limited to people with those conditions, or whether people without diabetes may derive benefit as well. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-drug-202109222605 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-dr...
smhoff256 4y ago
I think those kinds of blanket statements about metformin are a little misleading and a bit dangerous. For instance I myself have been on metformin now for almost 2 years and I can assure you I have no repulsion to sugar.
- bugfix-66 4y ago
  Yes, I see three responses along these lines, already. Some people don't lose weight. Some people's appetite isn't affected. Some people retain their taste for sweets. And so on. But "misleading and a bit dangerous"? Really? Readers can find a summary of metformin's typical effects on Wikipedia, here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin YMMV: "your mileage may vary"
bitwize 4y ago
So Metformin basically reduces to fasting which, as Hackernews knows, is the cure for everything.

drowsspa 4y ago

I once heard about one drug that basically works by making you nauseous to food. Is it the one? > Metformin is generally safe, but common side effects do include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Those experiencing these unpleasant side effects might consume less food, resulting in modest weight reductions.

bugfix-66 4y ago
Many foods you used to like (e.g., sweets) will be nauseating. Other foods remain delicious. For example, eggs and cheese and meat. But basically, your interest in food will be drastically reduced, and you will eat just enough. This is an important part of metformin's beneficial effect on lifespan and health.
- TylerE 4y ago
  Admittedly, I’m on a fairly low dose (500mg x 2), but I can still kill a bag of Haribo when the mood hits. It doesn’t , quite as often, but I’ve noticed no changes in flavor.
  - bugfix-66 4y ago
    Thanks for the anecdote. Biological variation, we're all different!
- dwaite 4y ago
  Can you point to any studies around this? I've never heard of this effect (let alone experienced it). I do know that Diabetes itself can reduce the efficiency of taste receptors, and metformin will sometimes cause people to have a metallic taste in their mouth (due to metformin in produced saliva)
  - bugfix-66 4y ago
    It's easy to find studies connecting metformin to weight loss and loss of appetite. I'll leave that to you, just use Google and you'll be swamped with evidence. You say you've never heard of metformin affecting food palatability and taste? Did you search the web at all? Just use Google if you want anecdotal examples. For example: https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/loss-of-appetite-on-metformin.97468/ https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/loss-of-appetit... I joined as after 18 months on metformin, my appetite and enjoyment of food is constantly declining. I’ve lost about 10 kg over that time, which is not a problem. But I’ve lost my appetite and, as a keen cook and someone who has always enjoyed good food, I no longer look forward to meals and get little pleasure from food. or https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/anyone-experience-loss-of-appetite-with-metformin.86526/ https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/anyone-experience-l... Metformin changed the taste of food slowly during the time I took it. It finally got to the point where all vegetables tasted like burnt plastic. This meant that I didn't want to eat them. And so on. Now you've heard of it! All it took was a web search.
empiricus 4y ago
You should not feel anything when you take Metformin. Its effects are subtle and very long term.

CharlesW 4y ago

> Most people can get an off-label metformin prescription for anti-aging. Dumb question: How? I'm reasonably certain my GP would not be amenable to being asked to prescribe drugs for off-label use.

gruez 4y ago
Off label use is fine. I'd be more worried about the fact that a patient is bring it up out of the blue (ie. "give me drugs plz"), and the evidence for life extension is shaky >There is some evidence metformin may be helpful in extending lifespan, even in otherwise healthy people. It has received substantial interest as an agent that delays aging, possibly through similar mechanisms as its treatment of diabetes (insulin and carbohydrate regulation). This is controversial, and an area of active research.[61][62]
bugfix-66 4y ago
Just ask your doctor for it. Say: "Please prescribe me Metformin, 2 grams daily." If you're overweight, tell your doctor you want help with your appetite. Otherwise, say you want metformin for its cancer prevention and anti-aging effects. Metformin is safe and it almost universally improves health and well-being. Your doctor knows this, and she'll gladly prescribe it.
- dylan604 4y ago
  > Your doctor knows this, and she'll gladly prescribe it. If your doctor gladly prescribes anything you just walk in and ask for by name and dosage and doesn't have a green cross symbol outside their office, then I'd highly suggest seeking out a new doctor.
  - bugfix-66 4y ago
    We're talking about a particular drug here (metformin) not just "anything". I'm saying it's likely your doctor will be willing to prescribe METFORMIN (that drug, in particular) for off-label use if you ask.

anaisbetts 4y ago

A more appropriate drug for this is probably Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide), or an even more effective version available in the US, Tirzepatide. I've personally been on the former and after 4.5 months, I've lost ~20% of my body weight

bugfix-66 4y ago
Metformin is well-understood, old, safe, and has various health benefits. Surprisingly, metformin seems to be almost a pure win, even for healthy people: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-drug-202109222605 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-dr... In contrast, GIP analogues like semaglutaide present real risks and are less well understood. For some people, with serious health problems, GIP analogues make sense. But generally you don't want to be taking them if you're healthy.
bilsbie 4y ago
Aren’t those hard to get and then super expensive if you do quality?
- anaisbetts 4y ago
  No idea, in the EU I pay ~85 EUR/mo

DontchaKnowit 4y ago

Yeah tell that to my stress eating family members who all have metformin prescriptions. This may be true for some people but definitely not a universal

bugfix-66 4y ago
Here's a question to consider: How much worse would the situation be if they weren't on metformin?

tacitusarc 4y ago

> Because the vast majority of research regarding metformin included only people with diabetes or prediabetes, it’s unclear whether these potential benefits are limited to people with those conditions, or whether people without diabetes may derive benefit as well. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-drug-202109222605 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-metformin-a-wonder-dr...

smhoff256 4y ago

I think those kinds of blanket statements about metformin are a little misleading and a bit dangerous. For instance I myself have been on metformin now for almost 2 years and I can assure you I have no repulsion to sugar.

bugfix-66 4y ago
Yes, I see three responses along these lines, already. Some people don't lose weight. Some people's appetite isn't affected. Some people retain their taste for sweets. And so on. But "misleading and a bit dangerous"? Really? Readers can find a summary of metformin's typical effects on Wikipedia, here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin YMMV: "your mileage may vary"

bitwize 4y ago

So Metformin basically reduces to fasting which, as Hackernews knows, is the cure for everything.