Combining lifestyle changes with metformin to help older veterans with obesity and frailty

Lifestyle Intervention plus Metformin to Treat Frailty in Older Veterans with Obesity

NIH-funded research Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-10980508

This study is looking at how a mix of healthy lifestyle changes and the diabetes medication metformin can help older veterans who are struggling with obesity and frailty feel better and move more easily in their daily lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10980508 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a combination of lifestyle interventions and the medication metformin can help older veterans who are obese and frail. The approach focuses on improving physical function and quality of life by promoting weight loss and physical activity while monitoring the effects of metformin, a diabetes medication that may also benefit frailty. Participants will engage in tailored lifestyle changes alongside metformin treatment to assess improvements in their daily activities and overall health. The study aims to provide insights into effective strategies for managing obesity and frailty in older adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans aged 65 and above who are obese and experiencing frailty.

Not a fit: Patients who are not veterans or those who do not meet the age and obesity criteria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical function and quality of life for older veterans suffering from obesity and frailty.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that lifestyle interventions can improve health outcomes in older adults, but the combination with metformin for frailty is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.