Lorcaserin vs. Phentermine among non-surgical and surgical obese patients: Anthropometric, glycemic, lipid, safety and cost outcomes.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To evaluate effectiveness, safety, and costs of Lorcaserin vs. phentermine among obese non-surgical and surgical patients (post bariatric surgery).

METHODS:

This retrospective study retrieved charts of all patients (January 2013-June 2016) who received Lorcaserin or phentermine for 3 months. The study assessed anthropometric, glycemic, and lipid changes, as well as side effects and cost of medications among overweight and obese non-surgical (n = 83) and surgical patients (n = 46). These two patient groups were compared using Chi-square (χ2) and unpaired't' test for qualitative and quantitative variables respectively.

RESULTS:

At 3 months, among the non-surgical group, Phentermine patients had greater percentage of total weight loss (TWL%) (7.65 ± 8.26 vs. 2.99 ± 3.72%, P = 0.003), and greater BMI reduction (-3.16 ± 3.63 vs. -1.15 ± 1.53 kg/m2, P = 0.003) than Lorcaserin. Within the surgical group, Lorcaserin patients had significantly smaller TWL% (1.86 ± 5.06 vs. 7.62 ± 9.80%, P = 0.012), and smaller BMI reduction (-0.74 ± 1.80 vs. -3.06 ± 4.08 kg/m2, P = 0.012) than Phentermine. Lorcaserin exhibited significant total cholesterol and LDL improvements only among surgical patients with significant weight reduction (≥5% TW). Both medications were not associated with glycemic improvements among non-surgical and surgical groups. Phentermine had slightly more side effects but was less expensive.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among both patient groups, phentermine was more effective in achieving weight loss. Lorcaserin showed dyslipidemia improvements only among surgical patients who achieved significant weight reduction. Anti-obesity medications as part of weight management programs can result in weight loss among non-surgical and surgical patients, or halt weight regain among surgical patients. This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two anti-obesity medications (lorcaserin vs. phentermine) among two distinct obese patient groups, non-surgical and surgical patients.

• Authors: Wahiba Elhag, Walid El Ansari, Sama Abdulrazzaq, Mohamed Elsherif, Isra Mustafa
• Journal: Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) (Ann Med Surg (Lond)) Vol. 45 Pg. 75-81 (Sep 2019) ISSN: 2049-0801 [Print] England
• PMID: 31388419 (Publication Type: Journal Article)