No effect of a low dose of metformin on the lipid profile, body mass index and weight gain in pregnant women with obesity: A randomized trial

Abstract

ObjectiveEvaluate the lipid profile, Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight gain of pregnant women with obesity and the effect of a low dose (1000 mg/day) of metformin hydrochloride on these parameters. MethodsA randomized clinical trial was performed from October 31th, 2014 to January 25th, 2018 with pregnant women diagnosed with obesity by arrival BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. The participants were randomized into two groups: metformin and control. All pregnant women received standard prenatal follow-up and the same instructions of diet and physical exercise. Laboratory tests were performed at three different times: first moment with gestational age (GA) < 20 weeks, second (GA 24−28 weeks) and third (GA 32–34 weeks) measuring maternal serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) as well as weight gain and BMI were monitored. ResultsA total of 424 pregnant women with obesity were evaluated. Of these, 218 (51.41%) composed the control group and 206 (48.59%) the metformin group. There was no difference of lipid profile, BMI and weight gain values between groups during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd evaluation moments. A significant difference was observed, only in the BMI, HDL and TG values from 1st to 3rd evaluation moments. ConclusionLow dose (1000 mg/day) of the drug showed no effect on the lipid profile, BMI and weight gain in pregnant women with obesity in metformin group during the evaluation moments.