Last updated August 24, 2026
Key finding
Post-prandial plasma lactate concentration was significantly increased after the metformin treatment.
This study examined the effects of metformin on energy metabolism and body composition in human subjects and rats, finding significant changes in metabolic markers.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study examined the effects of metformin on energy metabolism and body composition in human subjects and rats, finding significant changes in metabolic markers.
These findings are significant as they highlight metformin's potential role in improving metabolic health and managing obesity in diabetic patients. Understanding how metformin affects energy metabolism can help clinicians optimize treatment strategies for individuals with metabolic disorders.
Limited sample size may affect generalizability. Results may not apply to non-diabetic populations. Short duration of the study may not capture long-term effects.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Ichiro T, Yuji T, Shimpei I, et al. Effects of Metformin on Energy Metabolism and Anthropometric Factors in Human Subjects and Rats. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(2):e0171293. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0171293
Post-prandial plasma lactate increased by 1.5 mmol/L (p=0.01).
Baseline respiratory quotient decreased by 0.2 (p=0.05).
Visceral fat mass reduced by 1.5 cm³ (p=0.001).
Body mass index (BMI) decreased by 0.6 kg/m² in diabetic patients (p=0.0001).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Metformin and Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ), Body weight, Change in Resting Energy Expenditure (REE), and 3 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Metformin
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
2
Related topics
6
Evidence pairs
297
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
Related evidence
Evidence topic
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Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Metformin → Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ)
Metformin → Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ)
Metformin → Change in Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)
Metformin → Change in Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)
Metformin → Percentage change in visceral fat mass
Metformin → Percentage change in visceral fat mass
Metformin → Post-prandial respiratory quotient (RQ)
Metformin → Post-prandial respiratory quotient (RQ)
Metformin → Postprandial plasma lactate
Metformin → Postprandial plasma lactate
Evidence Library
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Metformin Therapies and Body Weight, Metformin Therapies and Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ).
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Medications
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Body Weight
Measures Body Weight as a key outcome.
All studies on Metformin Therapies
Contributes to Metformin Therapies evidence base.
All studies measuring Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ)
Measures Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ) as a key outcome.
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4 results
1 results
4 results
4 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Metformin Therapies may improve Body Weight.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Body weight
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 79.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 6 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Metformin appears to improve Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Baseline respiratory quotient (RQ)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Metformin appears to improve Percentage change in visceral fat mass.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Percentage change in visceral fat mass
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Metformin appears to improve Post-prandial respiratory quotient (RQ).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Post-prandial respiratory quotient (RQ)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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