Objectives: The present study was to quantitate and compare the efficacy of metformin on weight in different disease states using model-based meta-analysis (MBMA).
Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of metformin effects on weight in different disease states were collected by searching the public databases. The change rate of weight from baseline was selected as the efficacy indicator.
Results: A total 21 RCTs containing 1885 patients including patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, patients with antipsychotic induced weight gain, patients with obesity, were included into the present study. After deducting placebo effect, the maximal effect (Emax) of metformin on weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, patients with antipsychotic induced weight gain, patients with obesity were -6.86%, -8.82%, and -4.14%, respectively. The treatment duration to reach half of the maximal effect (ET50) were 107, 45.5, and 15.1 weeks, respectively. Within the metformin dose range from 21 RCTs, no significant dose-response relationship was observed. However, the time-course relationship is obvious for efficacy of metformin on weight.
Conclusions: The present study firstly provided quantitative information for metformin effects on weight in different disease states, including patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, patients with antipsychotic induced weight gain, patients with obesity.
Keywords: Metformin; antipsychotic induced weight gain; obesity; type 2 diabetes mellitus; weight.