Cited by 223Pharmacology and Obesity TreatmentRegulation of Appetite and ObesityBariatric Surgery and Outcomes

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Effects of metformin on weight loss: potential mechanisms

Malin, Steven K., Kashyap, Sangeeta R.·2014·Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite the known glucose-lowering effects of metformin, more recent clinical interest lies in its potential as a weight loss drug. Herein, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which metformin decreases appetite and opposes unfavorable fat storage in peripheral tissues. RECENT FINDINGS: Many individuals struggle to maintain clinically relevant weight loss from lifestyle and bariatric surgery interventions. Long-term follow-up from the Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrates that metformin produces durable weight loss, and decreased food intake by metformin is the primary weight loss mechanism. Although the effect of metformin on appetite is likely to be multifactorial, changes in hypothalamic physiology, including leptin and insulin sensitivity, have been documented. In addition, novel work in obesity highlights the gastrointestinal physiology and circadian rhythm changes by metformin as not only affecting food intake, but also the regulation of fat oxidation and storage in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. SUMMARY: Metformin induces modest weight loss in overweight and obese individuals at risk for diabetes. A more detailed understanding of how metformin induces weight loss will likely lead to optimal co-prescription of lifestyle modification with pharmacology for the treatment of obesity independent of diabetes.

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Authors: Malin, S. K., & Kashyap, S. R.
Affiliations: Cleveland Clinic (US)
Corresponding author: Kashyap, Sangeeta R.
ORCID: Malin, Steven K.
Kashyap, Sangeeta R.
Venue: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published: 2014-10
Volume: 21
Issue: 5
Pages: 323-329
ISSN: 1752-296X (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000095
OpenAlex: W2118790125
Cited by: 223
References: 43
Citations by year: 2026: 4 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 33 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 27 · 2018: 34 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 10
FWCI: 1.58
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Current Opinion in Endocrinology Diabetes and Obesity (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK089547)
National Center for Research Resources (K12RR023264)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology (medical) › Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes
Keywords: metformin, weight loss, obesity, appetite, dietary intake, leptin, insulin sensitivity, fat oxidation, fat deposition, circadian rhythm, digestive physiology, diabetes prevention, lifestyle modification
MeSH terms: Appetite Depressants, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Eating, Humans, Hypoglycemic Agents, Hypothalamus, Insulin Resistance, Metformin, Obesity, Signal Transduction, Weight Loss, Treatment Outcome, Leptin, Risk Reduction Behavior

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Effects of metformin on weight loss: potential mechanisms

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