November, 1998

Metformin (GLUCOPHAGE) significantly increases weight loss when combined with reduced-calorie diet compared to a placebo concludes a new study. The average body mass index was reduced from 31.3 to 28.0 after three months in patients given 850 mg of metformin daily in addition to a diet compared to 30.3 in those given a placebo. This reduction with metformin Is equivalent to roughly 19 pounds in women and 23 pounds in men compared to 6 to 7 pounds for those given a placebo. The study involved 40 male and 60 female obese type II diabetics with an average age of 54 years who were put on a diet of 1,500 calories per day for men and 1200 calories for women.

In a second study lasting one year, patients lost 8 to 14 pounds taking 1,000mg of Metformin daily. Patients noted a reduction in appetite which tended to be associated with lower basal insulin levels. No side effects or complications were reported.

Metformin has also been suggested as “one of the most promising anti-aging, life extending drugs available” according to Ward Dean, M.D., co-author of The Neuroendoctrine Theory of Aging and Degenerative Disease. Possible benefits of metformin include:

  1. Lower blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and betalipoproteins
  2. Reduced development of atherosclerosis.
  3. Reduced insulin levels.
  4. Increased hypothalamus-pituitary’sensitivity (which declines with age).
  5. Improved cellular immunity.
  6. Reduced Incidence of chemically-induced cancer in rats.
  7. Enhanced activity of anti-cancer drugs.
  8. Suppressed the growth of some tumors

Dean suggests a dose of 500 mg of metformin two or three times per day In people over the age of 40 years-old. He also recommends supplementing the diet with a liberal dose of vitamin B12 whose absorption may be inhibited by metformin. Dean advises caution in patients with compromised liver or kidney function, or congestive heart failure. An article by Dr. Dean about the use of metformin as a life extension drug was published the November Issue of Vitamin Research Products newsletter. The article can be found on their website:  . •You can also reach VRP by phone at 1.800.877.2447 or by fax at 1.800.877.3292.

•Nesovic M, Nesovic MM, Stojanovic M, Zarkovic M, Ilic 5, Milic G. Treated with metformin. International Journal of Obesity August 1998, 22(8Suppl 3):S266 (abstract P643).

Disclaimer:

Individual results may vary with treatment.