Effect of orlistat in obese patients with binge eating disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Binge eating disorder represents a significant public health problem, with up to 50% of weight loss program participants displaying this disorder. In previous studies with orlistat, patients with binge eating disorder were excluded. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of orlistat in obese patients with binge eating disorder.


METHODS
Eighty-nine patients with clinically diagnosed binge eating disorder and a BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 were randomized in double-blind fashion to 24 weeks of treatment with 120 mg of orlistat or placebo three times daily, in combination with a mildly reduced-calorie diet.


RESULTS
After 24 weeks, the mean weight loss from baseline for orlistat-treated patients was significantly greater than for patients receiving placebo (-7.4% vs. -2.3%; p = 0.0001) (intent-to-treat analysis). The overall Eating Disorder Inventory 2 score at week 24 was significantly lower in patients treated with orlistat than in those in the placebo group (p = 0.011).


CONCLUSIONS
Orlistat may be considered as part of the management for patients with obesity and binge eating disorder.
Golay
Alain
A
Service of Therapeutic Education for Chronic Diseases, University Hospital Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. Alain.Golay@hcuge.ch
Laurent-Jaccard
Anne
A
Habicht
Frank
F
Gachoud
Jean-Pierre
JP
Chabloz
Mireille
M
Kammer
Anne
A
Schutz
Yves
Y
D000886:Anthropometry; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications; D002032:Bulimia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077403:Orlistat; D010919:Placebos; D015431:Weight Loss
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D007783:Lactones; D010919:Placebos; D000077403:Orlistat