Metformin somewhat effective for weight loss among obese adolescents

January 01, 0001

Metformin somewhat effective for weight loss among obese adolescents

These US authors tested the hypothesis that 48 weeks of daily metformin hydrochloride extended release (XR) therapy will reduce body mass index (BMI) in obese adolescents, as compared with placebo. Participants were obese (BMI at least 95th percentile) adolescents aged 13-18 years. Subjects were monitored for an additional 48 weeks.

They found: "After 48 weeks, mean adjusted BMI increased 0.2 in the placebo group and decreased 0.9 in the metformin XR group. This difference persisted for 12 to 24 weeks after cessation of treatment. No significant effects of metformin on body composition, abdominal fat, or insulin indices were observed."

The authors concluded: "Metformin XR caused a small but statistically significant decrease in BMI when added to a lifestyle intervention program."

Metformin is worth considering for adolescents who are motivated to take medication for weight management.

For the full abstract, click here.

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 164(2):116-123, February 2010 © 2010 to the American Medical Association
Metformin Extended Release Treatment of Adolescent Obesity-A 48- Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial With 48-Week Follow-up. Glaser Pediatric Research Network Obesity Study Group. Correspondence to Dr. Wilson: [email protected]

Category: T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional, Keywords: metformin, obesity, adolescents, weight loss, randomized controlled trial, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 16 February 2010

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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