Acarbose Uses & Effect On Weight Loss

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 2 years ago · 4 min read

Acarbose Uses & Effect On Weight Loss 

Acarbose is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes. Doctors have also found that prescribing acarbose alongside other regimens can be an effective way to help overweight people shed pounds. If this interests you, we invite you to speak to one of our weight-loss consultants about prescription weight loss pills in the WAYT-less™program from Nu Image Medical. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Acarbose has helped many people lose weight. If you are interested in taking acarbose for weight loss, talk to one of our licensed healthcare professionals about this medication. Visit our medical overview page on Acarbose for a full description on the drug, its side effects, interactions, and more.

Acarbose Function on Weight Loss

Acarbose belongs to a class of medications known as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Its generic name is acarbose, and it is available in the brand name Precose. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors work by slowing the actions of certain enzymes that break down food into sugars. In other words, acarbose slows your digestion of carbohydrates so that your blood sugar does not spike after you eat. It is often used alongside a healthy diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Some doctors and practitioners prescribe Acarbose to non-diabetic patients who need to lose weight  

Acarbose is a prescription medication that comes in the form of a tablet that you take orally. Doctors prescribe acarbose as a combination therapy, which means you take it as part of a regimen that may include:

• Regular exercise
• Diet guidelines
• Acarbose
• Orlistat (a lipase inhibitor, or fat-blocker)
• Low-dose Naltrexone (suppresses cravings) 

This 5-part regimen comprises our signature Nu Image WAYT-less™weight-loss program. Learn more about the WAYT-less program... 

What Is Acarbose Used For? 

Acarbose is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. Doctors may also prescribe it to help non-diabetic patients lose weight. 

Acarbose for type 2 diabetes

Acarbose, when used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, may help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can lead to kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, heart attack, and stroke. Acarbose works in your intestines to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and block their absorption into your body, so your blood sugar doesn’t spike after you eat. 

Acarbose for aiding in weight loss

Acarbose may also be used to help non-diabetic people lose weight when it is combined with two other weight-loss medications — Orlistat and low-dose Naltrexone. These three prescription medications work together to break down carbohydrates, block the absorption of fats, and suppress cravings. However, Acarbose alone is not a “miracle weight loss pill.” Patients must be ready to make changes in their lifestyles, including making a long-term commitment to following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.  

Acarbose Doses For Weight Loss

We typically prescribe Acarbose to be taken orally three times a day with the first bite of your meal. We base your dosage on your medical conditions, weight, and how your body responds to the medications. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You must take Acarbose regularly, as your doctor prescribes, for it to work. You must also be ready to make lifestyle changes in the form of healthy nutrition and regular exercise. Our online WAYT-less program guides you along the way, including nutritional guidance from “The WAYT-less Diet” e-book. 

If you are interested in learning more about Acarbose for your weight loss journey, schedule a virtual weight loss consultation with one of our doctors.

Remember to follow all instructions concerning this medication. Do not take it in larger or smaller doses than is recommended. To remember dosages, we recommend that our patients schedule meals at the same time every day and take their weight-loss medications at the same time. 

How Acarbose Works

For Acarbose to work as it’s intended, you need to have it in your system all the time, especially when you eat. It’s not a “miracle weight-loss” pill that you take when you indulge in a bowl of ice cream. Acarbose is intended for long-term, consistent use. If you stop taking the drug as your health care provider prescribed, your blood sugar levels could increase or spike. 

If you miss a dose, the regimen might not work as well. However, if you forget to take a pill with the first bite of your meal, you can still take it while you are eating. Because Acarbose must be taken with food, if you forget to take it with your meal, just skip it. This medication will not work unless you are eating. Don’t double up at your next meal; only take one dose at a time. Never try to make up for a missed dose by taking two at once. Taking too much of this medication can lead to dangerous levels of Acarbose in your system. 

Guidelines for Taking Acarbose 

• You must take Acarbose with food. It only works if there is food in your stomach. 
• Take Acarbose with the first bite of your meal.
• Do not crush the tablets. Swallow them whole with your first bite of food. Store the medication at room temperature. Keep it away from high temperatures and never freeze the pills. 
• Tightly close the container and store it in a well-ventilated area. 
• Do not store medications in humid areas, such as bathrooms.
• This medication is refillable. You will not need a new prescription each time you need more. You will get a certain number of refills for your prescription before you have to see your practitioner again. When traveling with your medication you should always keep it on you and do not put it in your checked bag if you are flying. X-ray machines at security will not damage your medication. Keep the original prescription-labeled container with you, in case you are stopped at security 
• If you drive, do not leave your medication in the glove box of your car. You should also make sure that you do not leave it in your car if the weather is very hot or cold. 
• Follow the diet recommended that your doctor or practitioner recommends. Deviating from your doctor-recommended diet may cause stomach problems and decrease the effectiveness of your weight-loss program. 

Benefits of Weight Loss with Acarbose

People who suffer from blood sugar issues and type 2 diabetes are at risk for microvascular and macrovascular complications, the latter of which includes stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and peripheral arterial disease. Many studies have established the effectiveness and safety of Acarbose for preventing hypertension and cardiovascular issues, which is one of the reasons healthcare providers prescribe it.

So, if you’re reading this information about Acarbose and the WAYT-less program from Nu Image, you’ve already taken the first step to starting a long-term management strategy that can reduce your risk for cardiovascular issues.

Acarbose is not a magic weight-loss pill. It is a great way to boost your weight-loss journey because it helps slow your body's absorption of carbohydrates and sugars, therefore lowering the amount of sugar that enters your body. Acarbose must be taken in combination with a healthy diet and exercise routine 

Nu Image Medical offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. We have been a weight loss, anti-aging, and wellness provider since 2004 and we offer medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, hair loss, and sexual enhancement.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.