A study that reviewed the results of 30 placebo-controlled trials involving participants with mean BMI 35-36 and took anti-obesity drugs for at least 12 months, found that 3 commonly prescribed drugs - orlistat, sibutramine and rimonabant only achieve modest results in terms of weight loss - under 5% of total body weight.
The researchers said the three drugs had various health benefits but all had adverse effects, in rimonabant is associated with an increase in depression and anxiety.
A separate study in The Lancet found patients who took rimonabant were at increased risk of severe psychiatric events.
Sanofi-Aventis, the French drug maker, has issued press release in response to the BMJ & The Lancet article.
Source : "Long term pharmacotherapy for obesity and overweight: updated meta-analysis" BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.39385.413113.25 (published 15 November 2007)
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