The Effect of Metformin on Weight Loss in Non-Diabetic, Obese Nigerians

​Principal Investigator: Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnakenyi

Disease: Obesity

Research Description: Obesity is a chronic disease of global health concern. It contributes to several non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, obesity is increasing in prevalence, affecting adults and children. While high-income countries have seen an influx of medications treating obesity, low and lower-middle income countries, including Nigeria, cannot afford these effective treatments, and obesity remains unsolved. Metformin is an available, cheap diabetes medication that has been shown to promote weight loss, but has not been studied in a Black African population, which may have different genetic and environmental predispositions to obesity and to the effects of anti-obesity drugs. This Phase II, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial is determining the effect of metformin on weight loss, cardiovascular disease risk and insulin resistance in non-diabetic, obese, Black Nigerians. If successful, this trial could provide an affordable obesity treatment for Nigerians and reduce the burden of associated non-communicable diseases.

Funding Partners: Open Philanthropy

CWR Funding Role: Primary