Journal Watch - Columns-Drugs & Supplements - October 2003

1 RELATED DRUG: Meridia

ARTICLE: Effect of Sibutramine on Weight Loss and Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials

SUMMARY: The article discusses a study that was designed to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials on the effects of sibutramine on blood pressure and weight loss. Sibutramine promotes weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure, but can also affect blood pressure due to its action on the norepinephrine system. The researchers identified 21 placebo-controlled, randomized trials of sibutramine by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE. They found that the effect size of sibutramine on weight …