Metformin helps reduce weight in children and adolescents with obesity: Study

Metformin, sold under the brand name Glucophage among others, is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is not associated with weight gain and is taken by mouth. Few treatments exist for pediatric obesity. Metformin holds potential for pediatric weight loss.

A group of researchers from the U.S.A conducted a study to examine the effect of metformin on weight, BMI, BMI z score, and cardiometabolic outcomes.

The study included 7,068 patients aged 10 to 17 years with BMI at or above the 95th percentile and evidence of insulin resistance. The final cohort of 955 patients with BMI data at 0 to 24 months was categorized into three groups: metformin plus intensive lifestyle changes, intensive counselling alone, and routine counselling. In order to adjust for pubertal BMI changes, a subgroup analysis was conducted for adolescents aged 15 to 17 years.

The results of the study are as follows:

· At 6 and 12 months, metformin treatment produced significant reductions in weight, BMI, and BMI z score, which continued to decrease at 24 months, compared with control groups.

· Adolescents aged 15 to 17 years showed similar improvements. Systolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol also improved in the metformin group.

Thus, the researchers concluded that Metformin with lifestyle interventions significantly reduced weight, BMI, and BMI z score in paediatric patients with obesity and insulin resistance up to 24 months, compared with intensive and routine counselling alone.

Reference:

Metformin for pediatric obesity and insulin resistance: a retrospective study within an integrated health care system by Josephine Q. Concepcion et. al published in the Obesity Journal.

https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23207