Key Takeaways from Recent Landmark Studies of Weight-Loss Drugs

Jennifer L. Costello, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, ambulatory care clinical pharmacist at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, offers a few key takeaways from studies of new weight-loss drugs.

Patients enrolled in studies of liraglutide were asked to make lifestyle changes in both the intervention and placebo groups. Their diets were restricted by 500 calories and they were also asked to exercise for 150 minutes weekly. At the 12-week mark, the average weight loss was 8% in the intervention group and 2% in the placebo group.

In studies of naltrexone/bupropion, patients not only made lifestyle changes, but also underwent behavioral modifications in both the placebo and intervention groups. The trials also included health quality questionnaires to assess craving and mood control.