This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 19 original studies involving children with overweight or obesity. The researchers compared metformin to a placebo to see how well the medication worked for managing body weight and related health markers.
The analysis found that metformin was more effective than placebo at reducing Body Mass Index, BMI-Z scores, and body weight. It also showed improvements in fasting insulin and leptin concentrations. These results suggest the drug may help manage weight in this specific pediatric population.
However, the study found no difference between metformin and placebo regarding adiponectin, resistin, or the adiponectin to leptin ratio. The authors note that results for these hormone concentrations are inconclusive. They also state that more randomized controlled trials with rigorous methodology are needed to confirm these findings. Safety data such as adverse events or discontinuations were not reported in the included studies. While metformin may have a role as an adjuvant therapy, readers should understand that this evidence comes from a meta-analysis and further research is required before it becomes standard practice.