Weight loss, exercise, and metformin for knee osteoarthritis in overweight adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This early-phase study investigates whether a combined lifestyle program of diet modification and structured exercise, with the addition of metformin, can improve knee OA symptoms and reduce weight in overweight or obese adults. Participants are adults 40–80 with knee OA, persistent knee pain, and BMI in the overweight/obese range, and they are candidates for knee replacement consideration. The trial compares metformin to placebo as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions. Primary outcomes focus on changes in pain and body weight, with secondary outcomes including functional measures and potential impact on future knee replacement needs. The study is conducted at a single Hong Kong site under the University of Hong Kong.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women age between 40 and 80 years old, with overweight or obesity (body mass index ≥23 kg/m2) according to Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection definition of overweight and obesity.
* Knee pain for 6+ months with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) \> 40mm/100mm and
* Meet the American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee OA
* OA referred for consideration for joint replacement

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe radiographic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4) or severe knee pain (VAS\>80mm/100 mm) that could not tolerate further conservative management;
* inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, crystal arthritis, etc.
* Preexisting diabetes on antidiabetic drug or drug allergy to metformin.
* Recent knee surgery of the same knee
* Significant bone loss.
* Concomitant neuromuscular diseases affecting lower limb function.
* renal or liver impairment precluding use of metformin.
* VitaminB12 deficiency

Where it's running

• Maclehose Medical Rehabilitation
  Hong Kong, Sandy Bay, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Lawrence Lau, FRCS, PhD
• Email: laucml@hku.hk
• Phone: +852 92646862

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.