Metformin, a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, has long been celebrated for its ability to lower blood sugar. But in recent years, a new narrative has emerged—one that positions this humble drug as a metabolic enhancer capable of supporting weight loss, increasing fat burn, and even improving exercise outcomes.
According to Dr. Lindsey VanDyke, DO, FEAA, FACOI, CEO of the Advanced Institute for Diabetes & Endocrinology, the hype may actually be justified.
“Metformin puts your metabolism into a catabolic state,” Dr. VanDyke explains. “That means your body is primed to burn. You can think about it in a simple way as exercise in a pill.”
So how exactly does this decades-old drug help your body train smarter and lose weight more efficiently? Let’s dig into what the science—and Dr. VanDyke—have to say.
1. metformin and weight loss: it curbs hunger and boosts fat burn
Although metformin isn’t considered a traditional weight loss drug, many patients experience modest but sustained weight loss on it. One emerging theory: it increases levels of a molecule called Lac-Phe (lactoyl-phenylalanine)—a natural byproduct of intense physical activity that appears to suppress appetite.
That means metformin may replicate part of the hunger-reducing effect of vigorous exercise—even before you break a sweat.
“It’s a great place to start—especially because it’s dirt cheap and easy to get,” says Dr. VanDyke. “When someone’s beginning a weight loss journey, metformin can help their lifestyle efforts pay off faster.”
And for patients who have struggled with cravings or weight plateaus, this extra edge can be game-changing.
2. enhanced exercise performance, especially in short bursts
Recent research has shown that metformin may enhance anaerobic alactic energy systems—the same systems that fuel high-intensity workouts like sprints or strength training. While metformin doesn’t increase overall athletic capacity, it appears to improve the body’s immediate energy availability, allowing people to push harder during short, intense efforts.
This makes it especially interesting for beginners looking to build stamina or those engaging in HIIT-style workouts.
Think of it as a metabolic pre-workout—not by amping you up, but by optimizing how your cells produce and use energy.
3. it helps your body burn fat—especially during exercise
One of the most valuable metabolic benefits of metformin is how it increases lipid oxidation—your body’s ability to burn fat as fuel.
During exercise, especially cardio or moderate-intensity movement, your body typically shifts between using carbs and fat for energy. Metformin encourages your body to lean more toward fat-burning, which can lead to better results from the same workout.
“Your metabolism becomes more efficient,” Dr. VanDyke says. “It’s not that metformin burns fat for you—but it creates the internal environment where your body can burn more.”
This is especially useful for people with insulin resistance or PCOS, who often find fat loss more difficult despite significant effort.
4. combining metformin with exercise: does it always help?
Interestingly, some studies show that while metformin and exercise both improve blood sugar levels, their combined effects aren’t always additive. In some endurance athletes, metformin has been shown to slightly blunt mitochondrial adaptations—those cellular changes that make us stronger, faster, and more resilient.
But before you toss the bottle, it’s important to zoom out. Most of these effects are subtle and may not matter in everyday clinical settings.
“This is why personalized medicine matters so much,” says Dr. VanDyke. “For someone with diabetes, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome, the benefits of metformin almost always outweigh the drawbacks.”
The key is thoughtful, tailored use—especially when combined with a structured exercise plan.
5. lifestyle is still the star of the show
Metformin is powerful, but it’s not a miracle cure. It works best when paired with movement, nutrition, and healthy habits.
Even simple habits like walking after meals, staying hydrated, and getting quality sleep can amplify metformin’s effects.
“It’s not about relying on the pill alone,” Dr. VanDyke emphasizes. “It’s about using metformin to support the work your body is already doing when you eat well, move your body, and prioritize health.”
This balanced approach not only improves short-term results but also contributes to long-term metabolic health—preventing complications and preserving vitality.
6. the future of metformin: anti-aging and more
While this article focuses on exercise and metabolism, it’s worth mentioning that metformin is also being studied for its anti-aging potential. Early research suggests it may extend healthspan by improving cellular cleanup (autophagy) and reducing systemic inflammation—effects that could support performance and recovery as we age.
In other words, metformin may not only help you exercise better today—it might also help you keep exercising well into your later decades.
Conclusion: not a shortcut, but a smart assist
Metformin won’t replace your workout routine—but it might help you get more out of it. From increased fat oxidation and reduced hunger to better metabolic efficiency and improved short-burst performance, this decades-old medication continues to surprise even the most seasoned clinicians.
“Metformin is still my favorite drug,” says Dr. Lindsey VanDyke, DO, FEAA, FACOI, board-certified endocrinologist and founder of the Advanced Institute for Diabetes & Endocrinology in Mansfield, TX. “It’s safe, smart, and supports what we’re already trying to achieve through lifestyle-focused, patient-first care.”
Whether you’re managing diabetes, working toward weight loss, or optimizing your long-term health, metformin may be the silent partner you didn’t know you needed—especially when paired with the right strategy, team, and support.
At the Advanced Institute for Diabetes & Endocrinology, Dr. VanDyke and her team provide integrative, cutting-edge care for obesity, diabetes, and thyroid health, including non-surgical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for thyroid nodules. With unmatched accessibility, personalized visits, and a deep commitment to root-cause medicine, Dr. VanDyke is proud to offer care that’s different—and more effective—than traditional practices in the DFW area.
📍 Serving Mansfield, Arlington, Midlothian, Grand Prairie, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, both in-person and virtually across Texas.
🩺 Now accepting new patients for diabetes care, weight management, thyroid consultations, and RFA.
👉 Ready to take control of your health? Schedule a consultation with Dr. VanDyke today and experience the difference of advanced, integrative endocrinology.
🎥 Watch Dr. VanDyke breaks it all down in her video—why she loves metformin, how it primes your metabolism, and what it really means to call it “exercise in a pill.”