What is the role of metformin beyond diabetes treatment?

Metformin is primarily known for its role in managing hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, but it has been shown to have additional therapeutic benefits beyond glycemic control, particularly in obesity management. Research indicates that metformin can aid in weight loss and weight maintenance in individuals with obesity, especially in those who also have insulin resistance or prediabetes.

The drug works through mechanisms such as reducing hepatic glucose production, improving insulin sensitivity, and possibly altering gut microbiota. These actions can help create a more favorable metabolic environment for weight loss.

While metformin does often lead to modest weight loss, it should be emphasized that its primary contribution is in the comprehensive management of obesity as a medical condition, addressing both weight and its related metabolic abnormalities. This makes it particularly valuable in clinical settings where obesity is compounded by comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The effectiveness of metformin in weight management strengthens its role as a treatment option in obesity beyond solely promoting weight loss, as it can improve overall metabolic health.

The other options, while potentially relevant to some aspects of metabolic health, do not capture the breadth of metformin's application in the context of obesity management as effectively as the