Metformin Could Promote Long-Term Weight Loss

Metformin could lead to greater long-term weight loss than intensive lifestyle interventions (ILS), according to the results of a recent study.

In their study, the researchers used data from a follow-up of a randomized controlled trial in order to identify reliable predictors of long-term weight loss (LTWL). The trial included 3234 participants who were randomly assigned to metformin, ILS, or placebo for 1 year.

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After the first year, 28.5% of the participants in the metformin group, 62.6% of those in the ILS group, and 137 in the placebo group had lost 5% of their baseline weight and were followed for an additional 14 years.

Overall, the mean weight loss relative to baseline that was maintained between years 6 and 15 was 6.2% in the metformin group, 3.7% in the ILS group, and 2.8% in the placebo group.

Independent predictors of sustained weight loss included greater weight loss in the first year in all groups, older age and continued use of metformin in the metformin group, older age and absence of diabetes in the ILS group, and higher fasting plasma glucose level at baseline in the placebo group.

“Among persons with weight loss of at least 5% after 1 year, those originally randomly assigned to metformin had the greatest loss during years 6 to 15. Older age and the amount of weight initially lost were the most consistent predictors of LTWL maintenance.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:
Apolzan JW, Venditti EM, Edelstein SL, et al. Long-term weight loss with metformin or lifestyle intervention in the diabetes prevention program outcomes study [published online April 23, 2019]. Ann Intern Med. doi: 10.7326/M18-1605