Metformin for obesity in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

Park, Min Hae; Kinra, Sanjay; Ward, Kirsten J; White, Billy; Viner, Russell M · Diabetes Care · 2009

systematic_review · Level I

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Abstract

To summarize the efficacy of metformin in reducing BMI and cardiometabolic risk in obese children and adolescents without diabetes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Double-blind RCTs of > or =6 months duration in obese subjects age < or =19 years without diabetes were included. Our primary outcomes of interest include changes in BMI and measures of insulin sensitivity. Five trials met inclusion criteria (n = 320 individuals). Compared with placebo, metformin reduced BMI by 1.42 kg/m(2) (95% CI 0.83-2.02) and homeostasis model assessment insulin of resistance (HOMA-IR) score by 2.01 (95% CI 0.75-3.26). Metformin appears to be moderately efficacious in reducing BMI and insulin resistance in hyperinsulinemic obese children and adolescents in the short term. Larger, longer-term studies in different populations are needed to establish its role in the treatment of overweight children.

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