Sibutramine Improves Adolescent Weight Loss

The addition of sibutramine (Meridia, Abbott) to a program of behavioral therapy helped obese adolescents lose more weight—and more significantly improve metabolic risk factors—than those who took placebo, according to a study reported in Annals of Internal Medicine.

A group of investigators conducted a trial comparing the effects of sibutramine and placebo on 498 adolescents 12–16 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) in the 95th percentile based on age and sex. All participants received behavioral therapy that included counseling on self-monitoring of diet and physical activity and other weight-loss support.

At the end of 12 months, those who received sibutramine lost more weight and had a greater decrease in BMI than those who took placebo.

Participants taking the active drug also showed greater improvements in triglyceride and cholesterol levels, insulin levels, and insulin sensitivity. Those receiving sibutramine also had greater incidence of tachycardia.

The study had a high number of dropouts, with 24% of the sibutramine group and 38% of the placebo group withdrawing from the trial. Nonetheless, researchers conclude that sibutramine is a useful treatment option for adolescents with a history of unsuccessful weight loss with traditional therapies.

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