Metformin for weight loss in obese non-diabetic Nigerians

Effect of Metformin Use on Weight Loss in Obese, Non-diabetic People

Phase 3 Interventional University Of Nigeria Teaching Hospital · NCT07297290

This trial tests whether metformin helps adults in Nigeria who are obese but do not have diabetes lose weight.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment220 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 59 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Research network
Locations2 sites (Enugu, Enugu State and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07297290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling Black Nigerian adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and fasting plasma glucose below 7.0 mmol/L. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive metformin or a matching placebo and followed over time to measure weight change, insulin resistance, and markers of cardiovascular risk. The study excludes people who have used medical treatment for weight control in the previous 12 months or who are currently enrolled in another clinical trial. All study activities take place at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and an associated pathology facility in Enugu.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults near Enugu with BMI ≥30 kg/m2, fasting plasma glucose <7.0 mmol/L, no weight-control medication use in the past 12 months, and not currently in another trial are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with diabetes (fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L), those already on weight-loss treatments, or those unable to attend the Enugu sites are unlikely to benefit from this participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, metformin could offer an affordable, widely available way to help obese non-diabetic Nigerians lose weight and reduce cardiometabolic risk.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials in high-income countries have shown modest weight loss with metformin in obese patients, but this effect has not yet been demonstrated in Black African populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Obesity (defined as body mass index ≥ 30kg/m2),

  * Fasting plasma glucose (\<7.0mmol/L)
  * No medical treatment for weight control in the previous 12 months
  * No participation in a current clinical trial

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Obesity (defined as body mass index ≥ 30kg/m2),

  * Fasting plasma glucose (\<7.0mmol/L)
  * No medical treatment for weight control in the previous 12 months
  * No participation in a current clinical trial

Where this trial is running

Enugu, Enugu State and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obesity and Cardiovascular RiskInsulin ResistanceObesity (Body Mass Index &gt30 kg/m2)ObesityMetformin useWeight lossNon-diabetic
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.