I was pre-diabetic (A1C 6.2%, BMI 33, NAFLD on ultrasound) and couldn't afford GLP-1s. Built a protocol: metformin ER 2000mg (1000mg breakfast, 1000mg dinner), bupropion XL 300mg (morning), psyllium husk 5g before each meal (15g total daily), chromium picolinate 400mcg with lunch. Added high-protein diet (1.8g/kg, ~140g daily) and electrolytes (sodium 3-4g, potassium 3g, magnesium 400mg) to prevent metformin-induced deficiencies. Lost 41 lbs in 36 weeks (BMI 33→27), A1C dropped to 5.4%, liver enzymes normalized (ALT 68→28). No nausea, no hair loss. Appetite suppression from bupropion + fiber is 70% as strong as my friend's Ozempic experience, at 1/20th the cost.
FDA DailyMed: Metformin + bupropion combination produces 7-9% weight loss vs placebo in obesity trials. Psyllium 10-15g daily improves postprandial glucose by 20% and increases GLP-1 secretion 15-25% via SCFA production per NIH ODS. NAFLD reversal correlates with 7-10% weight loss.