Metformin Could Reduce Overweight in Children

Metformin is associated with significant reductions in measures of obesity in children and adolescents, according to the findings of a recent study.

The effects of metformin on obesity indices are controversial. In order to further explore this relationship, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using data from 38 studies including 2199 participants.

Overall, pooled results showed that metformin was associated with significant reductions in body mass index [weighted mean difference (WMD) −1.07 kg/m2; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.43 to −0.72] and waist circumference (WMD −1.93 cm; 95% CI: −2.69 to −1.16), and was associated with reduced body weight (WMD −2.51 kg; 95% CI: −3.14 to −1.89).

In participants with overweight or obesity, use of metformin was associated with a reduction in body fat mass (WMD −1.90%; 95% CI: −3.25 to −0.56) and chronic diseases (WMD −1.41%; 95% CI: −2.23 to −0.58). Lean body mass was not affected in patients with overweight or obesity and growth problems but was reduced in patients with chronic diseases (WMD −1.49 kg; 95% CI: −2.69 to −0.30).

“In conclusion, we found a significant reduction in body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass following intake of metformin. However, no significant effect of metformin therapy on lean body mass was found in the current meta-analysis. Further studies, in particular among participants with specific health conditions, are needed to confirm these findings,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:
Sadeghi A, Mousavi SM, Mokhtari T, Parohan M, Milajerdi A. Metformin therapy reduces obesity indices in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials [published online February 18, 2020]. Childhood Obesity. https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2019.0040.