Three and a half years ago I started gaining weight FAST, despite no changes in my diet and exercise. It took 2 1/2 years to get anyone to take me seriously that I wasn't at home eating all day, and by then I had gone up to 214 pounds! I was ready to get bariatric surgery, as I was 95 pounds or so overweight. Thank God they finally listened, and I got sent to an endocrinologist who, despite more 'normal' test results, listened to me when I said 'symptoms don't lie' (thank you, Dr. House haha) and isn't it possible that normal isn't normal for me? He said, yes, as a matter of fact it's entirely possible and he would treat my symptoms for what they were saying regardless of the test results. One year later I have lost over 35 pounds. Yes, that's still a long time, but until recently I didn't do a whole lot to help it along, as I was discouraged by years of nothing changing no matter what I tried. I hope that soon I will not need to see him (as much as I respect him) or take the medication any longer, but in the meantime,the metformin gave me back my health and quality of life. Having said that, I agree that blanket statements, even by a Doctor, that everyone should have it might be going a bit too far. If one can stay fit and healthy through their diet and exercise to begin with, well, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. But if you're 'broke' already, it's a Godsend. In the meantime, I'm curious about this Goat's Rue....