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Metformin dose may affect height BMI in children

Children and adolescents receiving larger doses of metformin may experience an increase in height and a decrease in BMI, according to recently published data in JAMA Pediatrics.

“A greater cumulative exposure to metformin may increase height by a mean of approximately 1 cm in children and adolescents compared with a control group. Compared with control treatment, metformin use also has a modest effect of decreasing BMI, which should be interpreted to reflect not only decreases body mass or adiposity but also increased height,” the researchers wrote.

Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the correlation between metformin and height changes in children and adolescents. Ten studies encompassing 562 participants aged younger than 19 years were included in the analysis. The duration of metformin treatment ranged from 3 months to 48 months,

Results demonstrated that overall, metformin was not associated with height changes. When compared with the control groups, metformin use was associated with a reduction in BMI.

However, when comparing metformin doses, participants receiving higher amounts of metformin had a reduction in BMI and an increase in height, compared with control groups.

The researchers noted that the study findings are of clinical importance, despite the minor increase in height that was seen.

“Our results also suggest a need for additional longer-term studies in younger participants because preliminary evidence suggests that these individuals may experience greater increases in height compared with a control group,” the researchers concluded. – by Casey Hower

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.