Does metformin help prevent weight gain in youth with bipolar disorder? Findings from recent study

A large-scale study led by researchers at the University of Cincinnati and Northwell Health has found that the drug metformin can help prevent or reduce weight gain in youth who are taking medication to treat bipolar disorder. This study is significant because medications used to treat bipolar disorder often lead to side effects, including weight gain, which can have negative consequences on the overall health of patients.

The study, conducted over two years and including 1,565 patients aged 8-19 with bipolar disorder taking second-generation antipsychotics, examined the effectiveness of metformin. This drug, typically used to treat Type 2 diabetes, is known to prevent weight gain. The findings of this study showed that metformin had a modest but significant effect on preventing and sometimes reversing weight gain in young patients with bipolar disorder.

According to the study's lead researcher, Dr. Jeffrey Welge from the University of Cincinnati, metformin helps control appetite, making it easier for patients to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly. It's important to note that metformin was found to be safe, with only mild gastrointestinal distress as a side effect.

The findings suggest that metformin could be an effective intervention for managing the side effects of medications used in treating bipolar disorder, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to patient care, encompassing both physical and mental health. While metformin's impact on weight gain was significant, it did not have a substantial effect on metabolic syndrome in the short term, according to the study.

Reference: UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI