RCT testing lifestyle intervention plus metformin for frailty in older obese veterans
This RCT tested whether a combination of lifestyle intervention (weight loss and exercise) plus metformin was effective for reversing sarcopenic obesity and frailty in older obese Veterans. The abstract describes the study hypothesis and population but does not report results, sample sizes, or effect sizes.
What this changes
The finding has not established an approved change to our evidence assessment.
Source date: Sep 14, 2026 · Discovered: Sep 15, 2026 · Assessed: — · Research update
What it does not prove
- Limitations have not yet been verified. Read the primary source.
Extracted from supplied source material; model confidence is not a measured probability of correctness.
Study details
- Design
- Rct
- Sample size
- 114
- Duration
- 6 months
- Population
- 114 older Veterans with obesity (38 per group) recruited from Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and surrounding community through clinic referrals, advertisements, mailings, and research registries. Mean age 72.8 years (SD 5.2). Population predominantly male: 101 males (88.6%), 13 females (11.4%). Race: 50 Black/African American (43.9%), 64 White (56.1%). Ethnicity: 15 Hispanic/Latino (13.2%), 99 Not Hispanic/Latino (86.8%).
- Primary outcome
- Change in the Modified Physical Performance Test (PPT) score at 6 months. The study tested whether lifestyle therapy (diet-induced weight loss and exercise training) plus metformin is more effective than comparator arms for improving physical performance. Lifestyle Therapy Plus Metformin showed mean change of 3.8 (SE 0.4) versus Healthy Lifestyle Plus Metformin 1.2 (SE 0.4), with mean difference of 2.5 (95% CI 1.2-3.8, p=0.0002). Lifestyle Therapy Plus Metformin showed 3.8 (SE 0.4) versus Lifestyle Therapy Plus Placebo 3.6 (SE 0.4), with mean difference of 0.1 (95% CI -1.2 to 1.4, p=0.92).
- Effect size
- —
- Significance
- Mixed
- Journal
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Published
- Sep 14, 2026
Funding: VA Office of Research and Development (indicated by journal affiliation)
Sources
Primary source
- VA Office of Research and Development ↗Clinical trial
Assessment history
9/24/2026 · SUPERSEDED: Source updated; assessment withdrawn pending review.
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