Sibutramine and cholesterol

There is evidence that treatment with sibutramine can lead to significant improvements in lipid profile and insulin resistance (1).

• a 2 year study in uncomplicated obese individuals showed that patients who lost 5% of weight with an initial 6 months of sibutramine 10mg/day, went on to achieve an average weight loss of 10.2 kg (versus 4.7kg with placebo) after a further 18 months treatment

Lipid findings:

• HDL cholesterol increased by approximately 20% in the sibutramine treated group versus approximately 10% in the placebo group
• triglycerides reduced by 20% in the sibutramine-treated group versus 4% in the placebo group
• reduction in total cholesterol: HDL ratio of 13% in the sibutramine-treated group

Reference:

• (1) James WPT et al (2000). Effect of sibutramine on weight maintenance after weight loss: a randomised trial. Lancet, 356, 2119-25.