Pharmacological Treatment for Obesity in Adults: An Umbrella Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 691-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan Khalil ◽  
Laura Ellwood ◽  
Heidi Lord ◽  
Ritin Fernandez

Objective: To synthesize the evidence from systematic reviews of clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of obesity in adults. Data Sources: A 3-step literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed databases was conducted between March and May 2019. The key terms used were obesity, pharmacological therapy, antiobesity agent, antiobesity medication, weight loss, and systematic review. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Systematic reviews that evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies for the management of obesity in patients with a body mass index of or greater than 25 kg/m2. Data Synthesis: Nine systematic reviews involving three pharmacotherapies, liraglutide, orlistat, and naltrexone-bupropion were identified. The results indicate that the pharmacotherapies reduced weight when compared with placebo. Orlistat was effective in significantly reducing fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. All reviews discussed the presence or risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects including diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea related to orlistat and liraglutide. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This umbrella review compares the efficacy and safety of antiobesity medications for reducing weight and a discussion on their weight loss and metabolic control to guide clinicians when prescribing medications for obesity. Conclusions: All pharmacological therapies included in this review are superior to placebo in reducing weight. Clinicians should consider patient comorbidities and risk of adverse events when recommending medications for weight loss.

1994 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 261-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon C. Schommer ◽  
Donald L. Sullivan ◽  
Joseph B. Wiederholt

Objective: To compare the rates reported for provision of types of information conveyed by pharmacists among studies for which different methods of estimation were used and different dispensing situations were studied. Data Sources: Empiric studies conducted in the US, reported from 1982 through 1992, were selected from International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE, and noncomputerized sources. Study Selection: Empiric studies were selected for review if they reported the provision of at least three types of counseling information. Data Extraction: Four components of methods used for estimating pharmacist counseling behaviors were extracted and summarized in a table: (1) sample type and area, (2) sampling unit, (3) sample size, and (4) data collection method. In addition, situations that were investigated in each study were compiled. Data Synthesis: Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. Patients were interviewed via telephone in four studies and were surveyed via mail in two studies. Pharmacists were interviewed via telephone in one study and surveyed via mail in two studies. For three studies, researchers visited pharmacy sites for data collection using the shopper method or observation method. Studies with similar methods and situations provided similar results. Conclusions: Data collected by using patient surveys, pharmacist surveys, and observation methods can provide useful estimations of pharmacist counseling behaviors if researchers measure counseling for specific, well-defined dispensing situations.


2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 1445-1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaelen C Dunican ◽  
Alicia R Desilets ◽  
Julie K Montalbano

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of current pharmacotherapeutic options for weight loss in overweight adolescents. Data Sources: Literature was obtained through MEDLINE Ovid (1996–April 2007) and EMBASE Drugs and Pharmacology (1991–2nd quarter 2007) searches and a bibliographic review of published articles. Key words included adolescents, overweight, obesity, anti-obesity agents, drug therapy, orlistat, sibutramine, and metformin. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All studies published in the English language that evaluated the use of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of overweight adolescents were critically analyzed; pertinent articles were selected for this review. Data Synthesis: Orlistat has been approved for use in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16 years. The most frequently reported adverse effects of orlistat were gastrointestinal; reduced concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins were also observed. Of the 6 clinical trials published, 5 have shown statistically significant reductions in body mass index {BMI) from baseline, ranging from 0.55 to 4.09 kg/m2; one small trial failed to demonstrate significant weight reduction compared with placebo. Sibutramine has also been evaluated for use in overweight adolescents in 6 trials. Trials demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in BMI up to 5.6 kg/m2 (from baseline). Of concern is evidence indicating that sibutramine therapy may be associated with elevated blood pressure, increased pulse rate, depression, and suicidal ideations. Lastly, metformin has recently been evaluated for weight loss in overweight adolescents; small, short-term trials demonstrate modest reductions in weight and BMI. Conclusions: Orlistat has been proven both safe and effective for weight reduction in overweight adolescents. Sibutramine has also been proven effective in reducing weight in this population; however, the potential for severe adverse effects requires further investigation. Metformin has demonstrated promising results in small trials; its role in the treatment of overweight adolescents will remain investigational until further research is conducted.


1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 736-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Kaplan

Objective: To review and compare the newer progestins desogestrel, norgestimate, and gestodene with regard to chemistry, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability. Data Sources: Primary literature on desogestrel, norgestimate, and gestodene was identified from a comprehensive MEDLINE English-literature search from 1984 through 1994, with additional studies selected by review of the references. Indexing terms included progestins, desogestrel, gestodene, norgestimate, levonorgestrel, and norgestrel. Study Selection: Only human clinical and pharmacokinetic trials performed in Europe, Canada, and the US were included. Data Extraction: All available data from human studies were reviewed; both comparative and noncomparative studies were included because of the paucity of direct comparative information available. Data Synthesis: The newer progestins were designed to minimize the adverse effects (e.g., acne, hirsuitism, nausea, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism changes) observed with older oral contraceptives (OCs) while maintaining efficacy and good menstrual cycle control. Desogestrel, norgestimate, and gestodene have minimal amounts of androgenicity and antiestrogenic potential. All of these agents are pharmacokinetically similar to older agents: they are highly bioavailable when administered orally, hepatically metabolized, and obtain steady-state concentrations after 8-10 days of continuous administration. The newer agents have similar Pearl Indexes and slightly better cycle control. Furthermore, the new progestins appear to cause fewer adverse effects, such as acne and hirsuitism, and similar rates of weight gain, blood pressure changes, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism changes. Conclusions: Desogestrel, norgestimate, and gestodene appear to offer clinical advantages because of their decreased androgenicity. Women whose cycles are currently well controlled with other OCs should not be switched to a newer progestin. However, any of the combination OC products that contain these progestins may be prescribed for women intolerant of older agents or to first-time users of OCs. The newer progestins appear to be efficacious and offer similar cycle control, improved safety and tolerability profiles, and comparable price with the older agents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e000843
Author(s):  
Kelly Bos ◽  
Maarten J van der Laan ◽  
Dave A Dongelmans

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review was to identify an appropriate method—a user-friendly and validated method—that prioritises recommendations following analyses of adverse events (AEs) based on objective features.Data sourcesThe electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO (Ovid) and ERIC (Ovid) were searched.Study selectionStudies were considered eligible when reporting on methods to prioritise recommendations.Data extractionTwo teams of reviewers performed the data extraction which was defined prior to this phase.Results of data synthesisEleven methods were identified that are designed to prioritise recommendations. After completing the data extraction, none of the methods met all the predefined criteria. Nine methods were considered user-friendly. One study validated the developed method. Five methods prioritised recommendations based on objective features, not affected by personal opinion or knowledge and expected to be reproducible by different users.ConclusionThere are several methods available to prioritise recommendations following analyses of AEs. All these methods can be used to discuss and select recommendations for implementation. None of the methods is a user-friendly and validated method that prioritises recommendations based on objective features. Although there are possibilities to further improve their features, the ‘Typology of safety functions’ by de Dianous and Fiévez, and the ‘Hierarchy of hazard controls’ by McCaughan have the most potential to select high-quality recommendations as they have only a few clearly defined categories in a well-arranged ordinal sequence.


2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 797-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald C. Moore ◽  
Annie E. Pellegrino

Objective: To review the incidence, risk factors, and management of pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain (PIBP). Data Sources: PubMed was searched from 1980 to March 31, 2017, using the terms pegfilgrastim and bone pain. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language, human studies and reviews assessing the incidence, risk factors, and management of PIBP were incorporated. Data Synthesis: A total of 3 randomized, prospective studies and 2 retrospective studies evaluated pharmacological management of PIBP. Naproxen compared with placebo demonstrated a reduction in the degree, incidence, and duration of bone pain secondary to pegfilgrastim. Loratadine was not effective in reducing the incidence of bone pain prophylactically, but a retrospective study evaluating dual antihistamine blockade with loratadine and famotidine demonstrated a decreased incidence in bone pain when administered before pegfilgrastim. Conclusion: Naproxen is effective at managing PIBP. Although commonly used, antihistamines have a paucity of data supporting their use. Dose reductions of pegfilgrastim and opioids may also be potential management options; however, data supporting these treatment modalities are scarce.


2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendon P. McDermott ◽  
Douglas J. Casa ◽  
Susan W. Yeargin ◽  
Matthew S. Ganio ◽  
Lawrence E. Armstrong ◽  
...  

Objective:To describe the current scientific evidence of recovery and return to activity following exertional heat stroke (EHS).Data Sources:Information was collected using MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus databases in English using combinations of key words, exertional heat stroke, recovery, rehabilitation, residual symptoms, heat tolerance, return to activity, and heat illness.Study Selection:Relevant peer-reviewed, military, and published text materials were reviewed.Data Extraction:Inclusion criteria were based on the article’s coverage of return to activity, residual symptoms, or testing for long-term treatment. Fifty-two out of the original 554 sources met these criteria and were included in data synthesis.Data Synthesis:The recovery time following EHS is dependent on numerous factors, and recovery length is individually based and largely dependent on the initial care provided.Conclusion:Future research should focus on developing a structured return-to-activity strategy following EHS.


1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1277-1282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa V. Kot ◽  
Ngaire A. Pettit-Young

OBJECTIVE: To review the current published clinical studies evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of lactulose compared with other laxatives or placebo. Adverse effects associated with lactulose are also reported. DATA SOURCES: Information was retrieved by searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for clinical trials, abstracts, conference proceedings, and review articles dealing with lactulose. STUDY SELECTION: Emphasis was placed on clinical trials where lactulose was compared with other laxatives or placebo in patient populations where the diagnosis of constipation was reasonably established. DATA EXTRACTION: The methodology and results from clinical studies were evaluated. Assessment of the studies was made based on diagnosis of constipation, prior management of patients, follow-up of patients, dosage, and adverse effects. DATA SYNTHESIS: Clinical trials in geriatric patients, terminally ill patients, children, and normal and constipated subjects were reviewed. In most instances, lactulose was compared with a placebo, without incorporating the current education on dietary techniques for improving defecation. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial response compared with placebo, although sometimes that response has been only marginally better, from a clinical point of view.


2001 ◽  
Vol 125 (11) ◽  
pp. 1420-1424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicky A. LeGrys

Abstract Objective.—To describe the results of the College of American Pathologists survey questions assessing the current practice of sweat testing in North America and to identify areas in which improvement is needed. Data Source.—Results of the supplemental questions to the SW-B 2000 survey. Study Selection.—Supplemental questions were designed to assess variation in sweat collection, analysis, and interpretation. Data Extraction.—Extractions of the data were made based on the relevance of the data to the objectives of the review. Data Synthesis.—The majority of laboratories surveyed performed sweat testing according to the procedures described in the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards' document. The study revealed that a number of laboratories have adopted poor practice standards and are potentially compromising patient care. Areas of concern include the number of laboratories performing few sweat tests per year, the persistence of unreliable methodology, misunderstanding of collection parameters, lack of patient education, and erroneous result reporting. Conclusions.—The study identified areas of concern toward which educational efforts can be directed. Such efforts include the development of a College of American Pathologists accreditation checklist for sweat testing and targeted responses in the sweat analysis participant summary report.


2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110497
Author(s):  
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula ◽  
Kota Vidyasaga ◽  
Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes ◽  
Wubshet Tesfaye

Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) with statin monotherapy or with concomitant warfarin use. Data Sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE (via Scopus) were searched for observational studies that reported the risk of GIB in adults on statin therapy or with concomitant warfarin use until August 28, 2021. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Observational studies evaluating the risk of GIB in adults (age >18 years) on statin medication or concomitant use with warfarin were included. Data Synthesis: In all, 14 studies with a total of 5 235 123 participants, reporting 48 677 GIB events (43 734 from statin users and 4943 from users of statin combined with warfarin), were included in the analyses. The pooled analysis revealed no difference in the risk of GIB with statin monotherapy (relative risk [RR]: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.42-1.02) or concomitant statin + warfarin use (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.91-1.02). Prior use of statin was not associated with GIB risk (RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.63-1.22), whereas a shorter duration of statin use (<5 years) was associated with a lower risk of GIB (RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18-0.97). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This analysis provides strong evidence on the association between statin use (with/without warfarin) and risk of GIB. Conclusion: Statin alone or combined with warfarin was not significantly associated with either an increased or decreased risk of GIB. The GIB risk was significantly lower when statins were used for a short duration (<5 years). The putative relationship between statins and GIB in warfarin users warrant further investigation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110538
Author(s):  
Courtney L. Bradley ◽  
Sara M. McMillin ◽  
Andrew Y. Hwang ◽  
Christina H. Sherrill

Objective To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of high-dose once-weekly semaglutide for chronic weight management. Data Sources PubMed/MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched (inception to September 8, 2021) using keywords “semaglutide” and “obesity,” “weight,” “high dose,” “high-dose,” or “2.4.” Study Selection and Data Extraction Clinical trials with published results were included. Publications studying the oral or <2.4 mg formulation of semaglutide were excluded. Data Synthesis Four phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trials demonstrated efficacy of high-dose once-weekly semaglutide compared with placebo for weight loss. Study populations included patients with overweight or obesity (STEP 1, STEP 3, and STEP 4) or patients with diabetes and with overweight or obesity (STEP 2). Lifestyle interventions for diet and exercise were included for all participants. Weight loss from baseline was significant for all studies, and secondary outcomes demonstrated cardiometabolic improvements including waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and lipid profiles. Gastrointestinal adverse effects were common, but the medication was otherwise well tolerated. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice High-dose semaglutide offers significant weight-lowering potential and favorable effects on cardiometabolic risk factors and glycemic indices. Clinicians and patients should consider the route and frequency of administration, adverse effect profile, and cost when choosing an antiobesity medication. The importance of concomitant lifestyle interventions should be emphasized. Conclusions High-dose once-weekly semaglutide can significantly reduce weight, and although gastrointestinal adverse effects were common, it is generally well tolerated.


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