March 3, 2005
Research suggests that three medications -- Prozac, Xenical and Meridia -- may help type 2 diabetes patients lose small amounts of weight.
Prozac and Sarafem (fluoxetine) are typically prescribed as antidepressants. Xenical (orlistat) is a fat blocker, preventing fat digestion in the intestines. Meridia is an appetite suppressant.
According to an evidence review by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention patients taking fluoxetine had lost an average of 11 pounds after 24 to 26 weeks.
Patients taking orlistat had lost an average of four and a half pounds 12 to 57 weeks later; Those on sibutramine lost, on average, of 11 pounds in between 12 to 52 weeks.
"The magnitude of weight loss is modest, however, and the long-term health benefits remain unclear," the review concluded.
The researchers stated that long-term results are "of paramount importance," but that current findings could help determine how weight loss drugs should fit into type 2 diabetes treatment.
"For example, if weight loss can be demonstrated with drugs in the short term, pharmacotherapy may be combined with behavioral interventions for long-term weight control," the lead researcher, Dr. Susan Norris stated.
This article was adapted from a news release provided by the Health-Behavior News service. You can visit their Web site at hbns.org.
