Metformin abuse and weight loss: A case report
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metformin is generally safe but can cause lactic acidosis and rarely organ dysfunction during overdose. Misuse for weight loss, especially in undiagnosed eating disorder, is concerning. In stigmatized settings such conditions may go unrecognized This case illustrated severe complications from chronic metformin abuse in a young female with suspected anorexia nervosa, highlighting the need for integrated medical and psychiatric care. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second case report of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) due to metformin toxicity.
CASE SUMMARY: Here, we reported a rare case of MODS involving four organs due to metformin abuse. A 22-year-old female located in Syria with a history suspicious of anorexia nervosa presented with dehydration, diarrhea, and altered consciousness. Labs revealed mixed high and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis from starvation ketosis and bicarbonate loss. She recovered with supportive care but returned 3 months later in shock with severe acidemia, kidney injury, pancreatitis, and liver dysfunction, consistent with MODS. Further history revealed chronic metformin abuse (up to 3000 mg/day) for weight loss. She recovered fully and began cognitive behavioral therapy. This case underscored the dangers of metformin misuse in eating disorders.
CONCLUSION: This case highlighted the potentially life-threatening consequences of surreptitious metformin abuse in the context of an underlying eating disorder.…
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