Randomized, controlled trial of metformin for obesity and insulin resistance in children and adolescents: improvement in body composition and fasting insulin.

Abstract

CONTEXT: Metformin therapy for adults and children with type 2 diabetes is well established. However, its role in the treatment of insulin resistance and obesity in children and adolescents is less clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effect of metformin on body composition and insulin sensitivity in pediatric subjects with exogenous obesity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Patients referred to a pediatric endocrine clinic were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight patients (13 males) aged 9-18 yr participated in the study. INTERVENTION: Patients received metformin (1 g twice daily) and placebo for 6 months, each with a 2-wk washout period. MAIN OUTCOME M..