Metformin: a bodybuilding tool?
Metformin is a popular medication that is commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and polycistic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is derived from galegine, a compound found in a plant known as Galega Officinalis.
What does Metformin do?
This drug works by inhibiting glucose production in the liver and inhibiting the actions of glucagon, a hormone that causes an increase in blood glucose levels.
These properties make Metformin a useful tool for bodybuilders, who can use it to improve their health, lose weight and even extend their lifespan while mitigating the side-effects of many PEDs.
The benefits of Metformin
Metformin can increase insulin sensitivity by reducing blood sugar levels and thus preventing insulin resistance.
This phenomenon leads to a decrease in insulin levels (because the body doesn’t need as much) and that contributes to weight loss. Furthermore, Metformin can also reduce appetite by increasing the secretion of a protein known as GDF15.
Metformin’s ability to reduce blood sugar levels makes it a perfect addition to any cycle of GH or GH secretagogues because it not only enhances their effects, but it also keeps them from causing insulin resistance.
But this isn’t all. This phenomenal medicine has also been found to have cardioprotective benefits because it can decrease Total and LDL-Cholesterol levels, something that AAS and SARM users can benefit greatly from.
Other health benefits of Metformin include a decrease in systemic inflammation as well as an improvement in erectile function. Some studies also suggest that it may also be an effective treatment for some kinds of cancer.
The side-effects of Metformin
In terms of side-effects, it can cause hypoglycemia in people who have dehydration or an insufficient carb intake, and it can increase lactic acid build-up while decreasing Vitamin B12 levels.
Unfortunately, some studies suggest that Metformin is bad for muscle mass because it may inhibit mTOR signaling and it may increase myostatin levels. Despite this, these actions are probably negligible if one is training hard, eating right, and using anabolic PEDs.
Metformin protocol for bodybuilders
Metformin can either be used during bulking cycles to remain insulin resistant and avoid fat accumulation when consuming large amounts of carbs, or during cutting cycles to decrease appetite and accelerate fat loss.
If you are bulking up, you want to take 500 or 750mg up to 2 times a day, preferably timing it 30 to 60 minutes before a carb-loaded meal.
If you are cutting, your total carb intake will be lower so using a high dose of Metformin will be more likely to cause hypoglycemia. Take 250mg upon waking up, and 250mg again, if necessary, before a carb-loaded meal.
All in all, Metformin is an incredible medication that will not only improve the overall health and longevity of bodybuilders, but also allow them to get more out of their cycles while making them safer.
