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

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To summarize the efficacy of metformin in reducing BMI and cardiometabolic risk in obese children and adolescents without diabetes.

Research design and methods

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.

Results

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).

Conclusions

Metformin appears to be moderately efficacious

SUBMITTER: Park MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2732169 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature