Metformin to lose weight review
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Metformin for Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Metformin and Weight Loss
Metformin, primarily known as a first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes, has garnered attention for its potential role in weight management. This article synthesizes findings from various studies to evaluate the efficacy of metformin in promoting weight loss across different populations.
Metformin and Weight Reduction in Adults
General Adult Population
Several studies have demonstrated that metformin can lead to modest weight loss in adults. A systematic review found that adults using metformin experienced small but consistent decreases in weight, with 11 out of 14 studies showing a greater reduction in weight/BMI compared to placebo. Another meta-analysis confirmed these findings, showing a raw difference of -2.23 kg in body weight in metformin-treated groups compared to placebo.
Elderly Population
In the elderly, metformin has been shown to induce a small reduction in body weight. A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies in participants older than 60 years reported a weight change of -2.23 kg in the metformin group. This weight loss was accompanied by improvements in total cholesterol and LDL levels, suggesting additional cardiovascular benefits.
Long-Term Effects
The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study highlighted the long-term safety and efficacy of metformin. Over a period of 10 years, participants maintained a significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference compared to placebo, with weight loss being directly related to adherence to metformin.
Metformin and Weight Loss in Specific Populations
Non-Diabetic Obese Women
A clinical trial involving non-diabetic obese women found that metformin, combined with a low-calorie diet, resulted in a 4.5% decrease in BMI over two months, compared to a 2.6% decrease in the placebo group. This study also noted changes in gut microbiota composition, although the overall diversity remained largely unchanged.
Children and Adolescents
Metformin has shown varying degrees of efficacy in promoting weight loss among children and adolescents. A systematic review indicated that more than half of the pediatric studies reported a greater reduction in BMI with metformin compared to controls after six months. Another study focusing on obese insulin-resistant children found that metformin led to significant decreases in BMI, body weight, and fat mass over six months.
Patients with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
In patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, metformin was modestly effective in reducing weight and other cardiovascular risk factors over a 16-week period. The study reported a mean weight change of -3.0 kg in the metformin group compared to -1.0 kg in the placebo group.
Metformin in Gestational Diabetes
A pilot randomized trial investigated the effects of metformin on postpartum weight loss in women with gestational diabetes. The study found no significant difference in weight loss between the metformin and placebo groups, with both groups losing approximately 6 kg by six weeks postpartum.
Conclusion
Metformin appears to offer modest weight loss benefits across various populations, including adults, the elderly, non-diabetic obese women, children, and patients with schizophrenia. While the weight reduction is generally small, it is consistent and often accompanied by improvements in metabolic parameters. However, the degree of weight loss may not be sufficient to classify metformin as a primary weight loss drug. Further research, particularly long-term studies, is needed to fully understand the potential of metformin in weight management.
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