Atomoxetine for weight reduction in obese women: a preliminary randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
Atomoxetine is a potent central norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, currently marketed for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With the understanding that noradrenergic agents could be useful in assisting obese individuals to lose weight, we conducted this preliminary study to evaluate short-term efficacy and safety of atomoxetine in obese adults.


METHODS
At 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at Duke University Medical Centre, USA, from May 2004 to December 2004.


METHODS
A total of 30 obese women (mean (s.e.) body mass index of 36.1 (0.6) kg/m2).


METHODS
Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine (n=15) or placebo (n=15). All participants were advised to follow a balanced hypocaloric diet (500 kcal/day deficit). Atomoxetine therapy was started at 25 mg/day orally, with gradual increase to 100 mg/day over 1 week. Placebo dosing was identical.


METHODS
Body weight in kilograms was the primary outcome measure. Other measurements included waist circumference, blood pressure and heart rate, fasting plasma glucose and lipids, and depressive symptoms.


RESULTS
Last-observation-carried-forward analysis of the available data for participants who had completed at least one post-randomisation assessment, demonstrated that the atomoxetine group (n=12) lost more body weight over the 12-week period than the placebo (n=14) group (mean (s.e.) -3.6 (1.0) kg (-3.7% loss) vs 0.1 (0.4) kg (0.2% gain); F (4,96)=11.9; P<0.0001). Three participants in the atomoxetine group and none in the placebo group lost >or=5% weight. Side effects were minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
Atomoxetine demonstrated modest short-term weight loss efficacy relative to placebo in this preliminary study of obese women.
Gadde
K M
KM
Obesity Clinical Trials Programme, Duke University Medical Centre, Durham, NC 27710, USA. gadde001@mc.duke.edu
Yonish
G M
GM
Wagner
H R
HR
Foust
M S
MS
Allison
D B
DB
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011437:Propylamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride