Use of sibutramine to assist obese women with weight loss can be successful in dietitian-led clinics: another tool in the dietitian's toolbox

Background This study investigated differences in weight loss outcomes in obese women with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to those without T2D attending a 6-month dietetic led 'Lifestyle' intervention. In those who had failed to reach weight loss goals using the 'Lifestyle' approach, the study further examined the effect on weight loss with the addition of sibutramine (Reductil((R)), Abbott Laboratories, USA) over a 6-month period. Methods The study comprised a case-control analysis of data from 38 obese female patients (18 with T2D) from the 'Lifestyle' and 'Pharmacotherapy' clinics attending a tertiary hospital in the UK. Results In the 'Lifestyle' treatment groups, those with T2D lost significantly less body weight than those without T2D [5.26 kg (4.54%) versus 9.89 kg (9.55%), respectively]. For subjects who had failed to lose weight via the 'Lifestyle' intervention, the addition of sibutramine resulted in a similar weight loss compared to their pair-matched 'Lifestyle' only 'successful' counterparts (9.66% versus 9.55%). Conclusions Not all obese women, and those with T2D in particular, will derive benefit from 'Lifestyle' advice and those who are resistant to this treatment approach may be assisted by pharmacotherapy. Dietitians can play a role in identifying those individuals who may benefit from the use of pharmacotherapy.