A phase II trial ( funded by Neurosearch, a pharmaceutical company in Denmark and other sources) in which 203 obese patients were randomised to receive three different daily doses of tesofensine ( a new diet drug) or placebo pills found that those who received tesofensine lost more weight than those received placebo.
Dieting patients on the highest doses lost up to 12.8kg (28.2lbs) in six months, roughly twice the level achieved by best weight loss drugs already used in Europe. However, side effects have been experienced by these patients.
Critics said more trials are needed and the efficacy and safety of the drug need confirmation in larger phrase III trials. ( Note: The maker of tesofensine, Neurosearch, is seeking approval for the drug in the US and Europe).
Source: Astrup A, Madsbad S, Breum L, et al. Effect of tesofensine on bodyweight loss, body composition, and quality of life in obese patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet. Early Online Publication, 23 October
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Low-carbohydrate diet more effetcive for weight loss
322 moderately obese employees of a research centre were assigned randomly to 3 different diets : low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean and low-fat diets over a 2-year period with support from the workplace. Researchers found that those on low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets lost about 10 pounds while those on low-fat diet an average of 6.4 pounds.
They also found that participants who followed low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets had better cardiovascular health than those in the low-fat group. For people with cholestero, low-carbohydrate diet seemed best, for those with diabetes, the Mediterranean diet. Critics say it is not clear whether individuals would have the same results without workplace support.
Source: "Weight Loss with a Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or Low-Fat Diet." New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 359:229-241
They also found that participants who followed low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets had better cardiovascular health than those in the low-fat group. For people with cholestero, low-carbohydrate diet seemed best, for those with diabetes, the Mediterranean diet. Critics say it is not clear whether individuals would have the same results without workplace support.
Source: "Weight Loss with a Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or Low-Fat Diet." New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 359:229-241
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Modest results from obesity drugs
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)
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)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Obesity drug Rimonabant questioned
Rimonabant (Acomplia) by Sanofi-Aventis, was licensed for use in the UK since June 2006 for the treatment of obesity.
However, adverts have claimed the drug can cut levels of potentially harmful cholesterol, fats and sugars in the blood to a greater extent than would be expected by weight loss alone. In theory, this should help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A report published in The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) on 30 May 2007 said there was no proof that the drug had any beneficial effects outside those expected by weight loss. The drug had not been effectively compared with other less expensive drug treatment for obesity.
The DTB authors said Orlistat (Xenical), costs less and approved for use in the NHS is the drug for obesity with the most evidence for efficacy and safety to date, and they have previously concluded that it is a reasonable option for obese patients where diet and exercise and/or behavioural measures alone have failed.
However, adverts have claimed the drug can cut levels of potentially harmful cholesterol, fats and sugars in the blood to a greater extent than would be expected by weight loss alone. In theory, this should help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A report published in The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) on 30 May 2007 said there was no proof that the drug had any beneficial effects outside those expected by weight loss. The drug had not been effectively compared with other less expensive drug treatment for obesity.
The DTB authors said Orlistat (Xenical), costs less and approved for use in the NHS is the drug for obesity with the most evidence for efficacy and safety to date, and they have previously concluded that it is a reasonable option for obese patients where diet and exercise and/or behavioural measures alone have failed.
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