Metformin belly fat
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The Impact of Metformin on Belly Fat Reduction
Introduction to Metformin and Its Uses
Metformin, a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes, has garnered attention for its potential benefits beyond glycemic control, including weight loss and fat distribution improvements. This article synthesizes research findings on the effects of metformin on belly fat, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which is a significant risk factor for metabolic diseases.
Metformin and Abdominal Fat in Children and Adolescents
Reduction in Obesity Indices
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials involving children and adolescents revealed that metformin significantly reduces body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body weight. The pooled results indicated a weighted mean difference (WMD) of -1.07 kg/m² for BMI, -1.93 cm for WC, and -2.51 kg for body weight, highlighting metformin's effectiveness in reducing obesity indices in younger populations.
Long-Term Effects in Low Birth Weight Girls
In a study focusing on low birth weight girls with precocious pubarche, metformin treatment over four years resulted in a significant reduction in total and visceral fat. The treated group gained approximately 50% less fat and had lower insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism compared to the untreated group. This suggests that long-term metformin therapy can effectively reduce visceral fat and delay menarche without affecting linear growth.
Metformin and Abdominal Fat in Adults
Effects on Abdominally Obese Women
Research on abdominally obese women, both with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), demonstrated that metformin, combined with a hypocaloric diet, significantly reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The reduction in VAT was notably higher in women with PCOS compared to those without, indicating metformin's potent effect on visceral fat reduction in this subgroup.
Comparative Studies with Other Medications
A study comparing metformin with ipragliflozin, another antidiabetic agent, found that while both medications reduced visceral fat, ipragliflozin had a more pronounced effect. However, metformin still significantly reduced VAT and improved glycemic control, underscoring its efficacy in managing visceral fat among type 2 diabetes patients.
Mechanisms of Action
Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) Activation
Metformin's ability to reduce body weight and improve metabolic health may be partly due to its effects on brown adipose tissue (BAT). Studies suggest that metformin enhances BAT thermogenic activity, promoting energy expenditure and improving glucose metabolism. This involves upregulation of key thermogenic transcriptional factors and molecular markers such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21).
Gut Microbiota Alteration
In non-diabetic obese women, metformin treatment led to weight reduction and specific changes in gut microbiota composition, particularly an increase in Escherichia/Shigella abundance. These microbiota changes may contribute to the metabolic benefits observed with metformin, although the overall faecal microbiota composition remained largely unchanged.
Conclusion
Metformin has demonstrated significant potential in reducing belly fat, particularly visceral adipose tissue, across various populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. Its mechanisms of action, involving BAT activation and gut microbiota alteration, contribute to its effectiveness in managing obesity and related metabolic complications. Further research is warranted to fully understand the long-term benefits and optimize metformin therapy for fat reduction.
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