Research Information System
Eating and Weight Disorders, vol.11, no.4, 2006 (SCI-Expanded)
To describe the comparative efficacy of orlistat and sibutramine in an obesity management program, with specific attention to compliance and weight regains after non-compliance. We prospectively evaluated 182 obese patients who were randomized to treatment with orlistat (n=98) or sibutramine (n=84) along with the diet and exercise prescriptions. Compliance (or compliant patient) was defined as adherence to scheduled visit times (at 3-month intervals) and following the prescribed drug regimen. A telephone survey was conducted in case of noncompliance. Significant body weights improvements were seen in both treatment groups. Patients lost a mean of 7.6±2.8% and 10.5±2.9% of initial body weights after a mean drug use of 8.8±5.7 and 8.3±3.7 months in the orlistat and sibutramine groups, respectively (p<0.05 vs. initial body weight). Patients in the sibutramine group lost more weight than the orlistat group (p<0.05). A total of 102 patients (56%) were compliant (53.1% in the orlistat group and 59.5% in the sibutramine group). Factors associated with compli± ance included weight reduction of more than 5% in the first 3 months and adherence to physical activity. Higher initial body weight, prior anti-obesity therapy, number of concurrent medications, and comorbidity were associated with noncompliance. Weight regains in non-compliant patient were a mean of 5.2±5.1 kg after a mean period of 9.2±4.2 months in the orlistat group, and a mean of 6.1±3.8 kg after a mean period of 9.1±3.9 months in the sibu± tramine group (p<0.05 vs. last visit for both groups, p>0.05 between groups). Both drugs in an obesity management program can achieve substantial weight loss. However, noncompliance and rebound weight regain after noncompliance are considerable problems. ©2006, Editrice Kurtis.