Drug Treatment for Adolescent Obesity

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Effects of sibutramine treatment in obese adolescents, by R.I. Berkowitz and colleagues. Ann Intern Med 145:81–90, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

The number of overweight and obese adolescents is a growing problem in the U.S. Many young people show symptoms of complications that excess weight lead can to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and a greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease (CVD, disease of the heart and blood vessels).

If adolescents don’t lose weight now, their health problems are likely to be much worse as they get older.

Successful weight loss for adults typically involves lifestyle changes, such as low-calorie diets, increased physical activity, counseling with a health professional, and drug therapy. However, doctors are uncertain about how effective weight-loss drugs are in young patients.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to know whether the weight-loss drug sibutramine helped obese adolescents lose weight.

Who was studied?

The study included 498 obese children, 12 to 16 years old, who were recruited from 33 outpatient clinics across the country.

How was the study done?

Each child had a physical exam, which included measurement of waist size, height, and weight. All participants had their body mass index (BMI, a measure of weight in relation to height) calculated.

Some participants were given sibutramine; others took placebos (pills that have no effect). Both groups were counseled for lifestyle changes. After one year, participants had another physical exam and waist size and BMI measurements were taken again.

What did the researchers find?

Compared with those taking placebos, participants taking sibutramine lost more weight, had greater reductions in BMI, lower levels of fats in the blood, and an improved ability to handle insulin and glucose.

What were the limitations of the study?

The one-year study may not have been long enough to study long-term effects of sibutramine. Many people dropped out of the study, which could have changed the results.

What are the implications of the study?

Adding sibutramine to lifestyle changes may help adolescents lose weight and improve health more effectively than therapies that don’t include taking medication.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Does Sibrutramine Help People Lose Weight? Is It Safe?

Prevention of Heart Disease Should Begin in Childhood

Diabetes Information for Teens

Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents