Abstract
Introduction
Lorcaserin is a selective serotonin 2c receptor agonist approved as an anti-obesity agent. The additional cardiometabolic benefits associated with lorcaserin have not been conclusively established.
Purpose
To examine the effects of lorcaserin on blood pressure, heart rate and other metabolic parameters in overweight or obese patients from randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs).
Methods
A literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central using search terms: “lorcaserin”, “Belviq”, and “randomized controlled trials” without language restrictions. RCTs with a follow-up period of at least 24 weeks were included for the meta-analysis.
Results
Five studies with 9349 patients in the lorcaserin group and 9370 patients in the placebo group were included. Compared with placebo, lorcaserin not only reduced weight (mean difference [MD] = −3.03 kg, 95% CI: −3.42, −2.63, P<0.ehz745.08171, I2 =68%), waist circumference (MD=−2.27 cm, 95% CI: −2.71, −1.83, P<0.ehz745.08171, I2=57%) and BMI (MD=−1.11 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.27, −0.96, P<0.ehz745.08171, I2=68%), but also improved SBP (MD=−0.75 mmHg, 95% CI: −1.12, −0.38, P<0.0001, I2=0%), DBP (MD=−0.70 mmHg, 95% CI: −0.93, −0.48, P<0.ehz745.08171, I2=0%), heart rate (MD=−0.94 bpm, 95% CI: −1.28, −0.60, P<0.ehz745.08171, I2=0%), LDL (MD=−1.47 mg/dL, 95% CI: −2.21, −0.74, P<0.0001, I2=0%), HDL (MD=0.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.08, 1.01, P=0.02, I2=18%), triglycerides (MD=−8.71 mg/dL, 95% CI: −12.14, −5.28, P<0.ehz745.08171, I2=71%), and fasting plasma glucose (MD=−5.69 mg/L, 95% CI: −9.5, −1.87, P=0.003, I2=93%). Our findings support that lorcaserin has consistent and favourable effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and all criteria of metabolic syndrome.
Summary of lorcaserin effects
Conclusion
Lorcaserin improved all cardiometabolic parameters modestly in addition to its weight loss effect in overweight or obese patients. More research is needed to determine its long-term cardiovascular benefits.