Comparison of Metformin and Orlistat in Anovulatory, Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Metformin and Orlistat in improving ovulation and reducing body mass index in anovulatory, overweight and obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
 Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Pakistan Air Force Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, Sep 2020 to Apr 2022.
 Methodology: Eighty women having polycystic ovarian syndrome with anovulation and body mass index ≥25 were randomized to receive either Metformin (n=40) or Orlistat (n=40). Patients in Group-A received Metformin 500 mg thrice daily; Group-B received Orlistat 120mg twice daily for three months. Patients were also given dietary and lifestyle advice. Ovulatory status and body mass index were measured at baseline and after three months of treatment.
 Results: Mean age of women was 26.9±5.1 years, and mean BMI was 29.9±2.57 Kg/m2. Ovulation was restored in 10 women (25%) in Group A and 12 women (30%) in Group B (p0.617). Compared to the baseline, women in both groups significantly reduced their BMI (p˂0.001). However, the difference in the change in BMI of both Groups was not statistically significant (p0.668). 26 women (65%) on Metformin experienced gastrointestinal side effects as compared to 11(27.5%) on Orlistat (p=0.001).
 Conclusion: Metformin and Orlistat have equal efficacy in improving ovulation and reducing body mass index in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome having anovulation and body mass index ≥25.