Effects of metformin on body weight in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: model-based meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Objectives

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on body weight in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients by model-based meta-analysis (MBMA).

Methods

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies of metformin in treatment of PCOS patients were collected and efficacy indicators were the body mass index (BMI) change rates from baseline.

Results

28 RCT studies, 1631 PCOS patients were included for analysis. Model of metformin monotherapy, and model of metformin combination therapy were established, respectively. After deducting control group effects, the E_max of metformin on BMI were −5.88% and −11.8% in metformin monotherapy and metformin combination therapy, respectively. In order to play better curative effects, for metformin monotherapy, 1000 mg/day metformin needs for at least 25.5 weeks; For metformin combination therapy, 1000 mg/day metformin needs for at least 58.6 weeks.

Conclusion

It was the first time to quantify the effects of metformin on body weight and recommend dose and duration for metformin monotherapy and metformin combination therapy in PCOS patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Metformin
• body weight
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• model-based meta-analysis

Article highlights

• It was the first time to quantify the effects of metformin on body weight and recommend dose and duration for metformin monotherapy and metformin combination therapy in PCOS patients.

• Metformin combination therapy had more pronounced therapeutic effect. However, it also needs longer to produce better results.

• In order to play better curative effects, for metformin monotherapy, 1000 mg/day metformin needs for at least 25.5 weeks; For metformin combination therapy, 1000 mg/day metformin needs for at least 58.6 weeks.

Authors contributions

D. Wang, X. Chen and S. He conceived and designed the study. X. Chen, S. He, and D. Wang collected and analyzed data. D. Wang wrote the paper. X. Chen reviewed and edited the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer declarations

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the AOSAIKANG pharmaceutical foundation (No. A201826), The Young Medical Talents of Wuxi (No. QNRC020), Young Project of Wuxi Health and Family Planning Research (No. Q201706), and Wuxi science and technology development guidance plan (medical and health care) (No. CSZON1744), Science and Technology Innovation Bureau of High-tech Zone (No. SYSD2019076).