Metformin Helps Kids with Autism Keep Weight Down

April 11th, 2018

Medications used to reduce disruptive behaviors in some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can lead to significant weight gain, but a readily-available diabetes drug called metformin may be able to help according to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. About 20-50 percent of people with ASD exhibit disruptive behaviors that can include aggression, tantrums, and self-injury.

Certain types of medications called atypical antipsychotics can reduce disruptive symptoms associated with ASD, but children taking these medications often become overweight and are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. According to the authors, parents are often faced with the difficult choice between giving children medications that have significant side effects and managing behaviors that can lead to injury and restrictive school placements.

Researchers enrolled 52 children aged 6-17 with a diagnosis of ASD who were prescribed atypical antipsychotics. All of the children received metformin during the study; some had previously received metformin as part of a related study. After 16 weeks of treatment, participants in the group that had not had prior metformin treatment lost a significant amount of weight. Children previously treated with 16 weeks of metformin maintained previous weight loss but did not lose additional weight. The authors noted that metformin was well-tolerated by the participants, but families should be aware that there may be a 4-8 week delay before the weight loss becomes apparent.

Learn more about research studies for kids at our Pitt+Me Child Development Studies page.