Meridia (sibutramine), combined with behavioural therapy, has been shown to be effective in helping obese teenagers lose weight, according to a study carried out by Dr. R Berkowitz and team at Children Hospital of Philadelphia. The researchers found the treatment is effective for obese 12-year-olds as well.
The study involved 498 12-16 year old children at 33 weight-loss clinics - all of the children were obese. The children were divided into two groups, one received Meridia combined with behavioural therapy while the other received a placebo and behavioural therapy. The Meridia group lost an average of 14 pounds over a year, while those on a placebo carried on gaining weight. Those on Meridia also managed to achieve better HDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides (HDL is the good cholesterol).
The study found Meridia is relatively safe and effective for younger teenagers. Meridia is approved in the USA just for people over 16 as a drug for aiding weight loss.
You can read about this study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The team said further studies are needed to find out whether this treatment has long-term benefits: Do the teenagers continue to lose weight? Do they keep the weight off after treatment stops? Are there any other health benefits, such as a lower likelihood of developing heart disease or diabetes type 2?
The scientists also stressed that this drug is aimed at patients who are obese. It is not for slightly overweight people who want to shed a few pounds. It is an appetite suppressor that has, in the past, been blamed by some groups for causing fatal heart problems.
In this study, 12.5% of children taking Meridia experienced accelerated heart rates, versus 6.2% of children who were on a placebo. The researchers say it is vital for any patient taking this drug to have his/her blood pressure and heart rate closely monitored.
Adults who have received Meridia tend to lose weight only while they are receiving the drug. Most of them put the weight back on afterwards. Whether or not the same would happen with younger patients remains to be seen.
The makers of Meridia, Abbott Laboratories, funded the study.
Effects of Sibutramine Treatment in Obese Adolescents - A Randomized Trial
Robert I. Berkowitz, MD; Ken Fujioka, MD; Stephen R. Daniels, MD, PhD; Alison G. Hoppin, MD; Stanford Owen, MD; Arlette C. Perry, PhD; Melinda S. Sothern, PhD; Cheryl L. Renz, MD; Mark A. Pirner, MD, PhD; Julia K. Walch, BS; Olga Jasinsky, MBA; Ann C. Hewkin, MSc; Vicky A. Blakesley, MD, PhD, for the Sibutramine Adolescent Study Group
Annals of Internal Medicine
18 July 2006 | Volume 145 Issue 2 | Pages 81-90
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View drug information on MERIDIA.