Prescrire Int 2001 Oct;10(55):140-5
ABSTRACT
(1) The reference treatment for achieving weight loss by obese patients is a combination of dietary measures, exercise and behavioural interventions. There is currently no drug treatment with demonstrated efficacy on the morbidity or mortality associated with excess body weight. (2) Sibutramine, a serotonin- and noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor structurally related to the amphetamines has been granted marketing authorisation in France for the treatment of obesity and excess body weight in patients with associated risk factors. (3) The clinical file on sibutramine contains no trial focusing on morbidity or mortality end points. (4) According to comparative clinical trials, weight loss during a 6-12 month course of sibutramine is, on average, between 3 and 9 kg greater than that on placebo. Patients regain weight after sibutramine cessation. (5) Sibutramine has little or no benefit on blood sugar or lipid parameters. (6) The main known adverse effect of sibutramine is increased blood pressure. Sibutramine also has amphetamine-like side effects. (7) In practice, sibutramine currently has no place in the management of obesity.