Effects of 1-year orlistat treatment compared to placebo on insulin resistance parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes

First-Generation Anti-Obesity Medications

The development of second-generation anti-obesity medications (AOMs) has transformed the treatment of obesity. However, the first-generation AOMs are still essential tools in the treatment of obesity. The decision of which AOM to initiate must be individualized taking into account patient preference, safety, tolerability, cost, and supply.

Orlistat for the treatment of antipsychotic-induced weight gain: an eight-week multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Weight gain and metabolic disorders are commonly induced by antipsychotics. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used for weight control. The effect of orlistat on weight gain and metabolic disturbances in people (especially women) treated with antipsychotics has not been sufficiently studied. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of orlistat in mitigating antipsychotic-induced weight gain and abnormal glycolipid metabolism.

METHODS

Patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with a weight gain ≥ 7% after taking antipsychotics were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: one received eight weeks of orlistat (360 mg/day) and the other received a placebo. Anthropometric and fasting serum biochemical parameters were measured at baseline, week 4 and week 8.

RESULTS

Sixty individuals (orlistat:placebo = 32:28) participated in the study. After controlling for the study center, the eight-week changes in body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CH) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH) were significantly different between the groups. According to the mixed linear models, CHOL and LDL-CH were significantly lower in the orlistat group than in the control group at week 8. The week 0-to-8 slopes of BMI, CHOL and LDL-CH were also significantly lower in the orlistat group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that orlistat is an effective intervention for attenuating weight gain and serum lipid disturbances in antipsychotic-treated patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03451734.

A mechanistic exploration of the metabolome of African mango seeds and its potential to alleviate cognitive impairment induced by high-fat/high-carbohydrate diets: Involvement of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and AMPK/SIRT-1/mTOR Axes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill., also known as "African mango" or "bush mango", belonging to family Irvingiaceae, has been mostly used as food and traditional medicine for weight loss and to enhance the health.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The overconsumption of high-fat and high-carbohydrate (HFHC) food induces oxidative stress, leading to neurological and cognitive dysfunction. Consequently, there is an immediate need for effective treatment. Hence, this study explored the efficacy of orlistat, metformin, and I. gabonensis seeds' total aqueous extract (IG SAE) in addressing HFHC-induced cognitive impairment by mitigating oxidative stress and their underlying mechanistic pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, the secondary metabolite profile of IG SAE is determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass detector (UHPLC/MS). The in vivo study involves two phases: an established model phase with control (10 rats on a standard diet) and HFHC diet group (50 rats) for 3 months. In the study phase, HFHC is divided into 5 groups. The first subgroup receives HFHC diet only, while the remaining groups each receive HFHC diet with either Orlistat, metformin, or IG SAE at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days.

RESULTS

More than 150 phytoconstituents were characterized for the first holistic approach onto IG metabolome. Characterization of IG SAE revealed that tannins dominate metabolites in the plant. Total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to standardize our extract (77.12 ± 7.09 μg Gallic acid equivalent/mg extract and 8.039 ± 0.53 μg Rutin equivalent/mg extract, respectively). Orlistat, metformin, and IG SAE successfully reduced the body weight, blood glucose level, lipid profile, oxidative stress and neurotransmitters levels leading to improved behavioral functions as well as histological alternation. Also, IG SAE halted inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, together with promoting autophagy, via modulation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways.

CONCLUSION

Metformin, orlistat, and IG SAE offer a promising multi-target therapy to mitigate HFHC diet-induced oxidative stress, addressing cognitive function. This involves diverse molecular mechanisms, particularly the modulation of inflammation, ER stress, and both PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways. Furthermore, the higher dose of IG SAE demonstrated effects comparable to orlistat and metformin across most studied parameters.

Efficacy of orlistat in obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a significant contributor to chronic liver disease worldwide. Orlistat blocks intestinal fat absorption, leading to decreased liver fat content. Therefore, it is a viable option for NAFLD management. Methods: We performed a systematic review and metaanalysis using randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We used mean difference (MD) to pool continuous outcomes presented with the corresponding confidence interval (CI). Results: We included four RCTs with a total of 379 patients. Orlistat was effective in reducing liver fat content (MD: -5.02, 95% CI [-7.23, -2.82], P = 0.00001), alanine transferase (MD: -10.03, 95% CI [-17.80, -2.26], P = 0.01), aspartate transferase (MD: -4.29, 95% CI [-7.59, -0.99], P = 0.01), waist circumference (MD: -3.18, 95% CI [-4.25, -2.10], P = 0.00001), body mass index (MD: -1.03, 95% CI [-1.34, -0.73], P = 0.00001), total cholesterol (MD: -3.75, 95% CI [-4.02, -3.49], P = 0.00001), and low-density lipoprotein (MD: -3.83, 95% CI [-4.05, -3.61], P = 0.00001). However, orlistat was associated with increased serum triglycerides (MD: 7.46, 95% CI [6.48, 8.44], P = 0. 00001). Conclusion: Orlistat is a viable option for NAFLD management; however, it increases triglyceride levels. Larger RCTs are required.

Ameliorative effects of Orlistat and metformin either alone or in combination on liver functions, structure, immunoreactivity and antioxidant enzymes in experimentally induced obesity in male rats

Background

Prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Obesity is associated with incidences of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases and the risk of having it rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obesity is associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and hepatic disorders and has become one of the silent killer diseases affecting global health.

Methods

This study examined the effects of obesity on liver functions (ALT, AST and LDH), lipid profile (TG, TC, HDL-c, LDL-c and vLDL-c), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin hormone and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx) and lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) in liver homogenates besides histological structure of the liver tissues and assessment of DNA damage. Fifty male Wistar rats were used and they were divided into five treatment groups: I-Control group, II-high-fat diet (HFD) treated group (Obesity) group, III-HFD plus Orlistat (ORL), IV-HFD plus metformin (Met) and V- HFD plus ORL plus Met.

Results

Experimentally-induced obesity caused a significant increase in liver enzymes including lipid markers (triglycerides and total cholesterol), inflammatory markers, tumour markers and lipid peroxidation markers and a concurrent decline in antioxidant enzymes and damage of liver main structures characterised by presence of congestion and accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells in blood sinusoids. In contrast, groups treated with either ORL or Met or both group, we recorded restoration of normal hepatic structures and a decline in DNA damage, liver enzymes and antioxidant levels. The best restoration and amelioration were observed in the group treated with a combination of ORL and Met.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated the synergistic effect of ORL and Met in ameliorating hepatic functions and lipid profile, alleviating inflammation, genotoxicity and side effects of experimentally-induced obesity.

Insulin-resistance in paediatric age: Its magnitude and implications

Insulin resistance (IR) is insulin failure in normal plasma levels to adequately stimulate glucose uptake by the peripheral tissues. IR is becoming more common in children and adolescents than before. There is a strong association between obesity in children and adolescents, IR, and the metabolic syndrome components. IR shows marked variation among different races, crucial to understanding the possible cardiovascular risk, specifically in high-risk races or ethnic groups. Genetic causes of IR include insulin receptor mutations, mutations that stimulate autoantibody production against insulin receptors, or mutations that induce the formation of abnormal glucose transporter 4 molecules or plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 molecules; all induce abnormal energy pathways and end with the development of IR. The parallel increase of IR syndrome with the dramatic increase in the rate of obesity among children in the last few decades indicates the importance of environmental factors in increasing the rate of IR. Most patients with IR do not develop diabetes mellitus (DM) type-II. However, IR is a crucial risk factor to develop DM type-II in children. Diagnostic standards for IR in children are not yet established due to various causes. Direct measures of insulin sensitivity include the hyperinsulinemia euglycemic glucose clamp and the insulin-suppression test. Minimal model analysis of frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and oral glucose tolerance test provide an indirect estimate of metabolic insulin sensitivity/resistance. The main aim of the treatment of IR in children is to prevent the progression of compensated IR to decompensated IR, enhance insulin sensitivity, and treat possible complications. There are three main lines for treatment: Lifestyle and behavior modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. This review will discuss the magnitude, implications, diagnosis, and treatment of IR in children.

Long-term cardiovascular outcomes after orlistat therapy in patients with obesity: a nationwide, propensity-score matched cohort study

AIMS

The rising prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities represent a growing public health issue; in particular, obesity is known to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite the evidence behind the efficacy of orlistat in achieving weight loss in patients with obesity, no study thus far has quantified its long-term effect on cardiovascular outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore long-term cardiovascular outcomes after orlistat therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A propensity-score matched cohort study was conducted on the nation-wide electronic primary and integrated secondary healthcare records of the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). The 36 876 patients with obesity in the CPRD database who had completed a course of orlistat during follow-up were matched on a 1:1 basis with equal numbers of controls who had not taken orlistat. Patients were followed up for a median of 6 years for the occurrence of the primary composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events (fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke), and a number of secondary endpoints including primary endpoint components individually, the occurrence of new-onset heart failure, coronary revascularization, new chronic kidney disease stage III+ (CKD3+), and all-cause mortality. During the median study follow-up of 6 years, the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events was lower in the orlistat cohort [hazard ratio (HR) 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66-0.83, P < 0.001]. Patients who took orlistat experienced lower rates of myocardial infarction (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.66-0.88, P < 0.001) and ischaemic stroke (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.56 to -0.84, P < 0.001) as well as new-onset heart failure (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.67-0.94, P = 0.007). There was no differences in revascularization rates (HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.91-1.38, P = 0.27), but a lower rate of both CKD3+ development (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.73-0.83, P < 0.001) and mortality (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.36 to -0.41, P < 0.001) was observed.

CONCLUSION

In this nation-wide, propensity-score matched study, orlistat was associated with lower rates of overall major adverse cardiovascular events, new-onset heart failure, renal failure, and mortality. This study adds to current evidence on the known improvements in cardiovascular risk factor profiles of orlistat treatment by suggesting a potential role in primary prevention.

An update on pharmacotherapeutic strategies for obesity

INTRODUCTION

The field of obesity medicine has evolved over the past several years. With greater understanding of its pathophysiology, obesity is regarded more as a chronic disease than a lifestyle choice. However, it is difficult to treat with lifestyle modifications alone due to the complexity of energy dysregulation. The availability of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) provides practitioners with more effective and sustainable ways to treat obesity.

AREAS COVERED

This review briefly summarizes the weight loss efficacy of AOMs currently approved for long-term use and expands on their therapeutic potential beyond weight loss with particular focus on obesity-related comorbidities. Possible future AOMs with promising phase II or III data are also covered.

EXPERT OPINION

The future of obesity medicine is in recognizing obesity as a disease and approaching treatment similarly to other chronic diseases. Lifestyle interventions alone are rarely sufficient in the treatment of chronic diseases, and pharmacotherapy often plays a necessary role in changing the course of disease. Current AOMs have proven efficacy in weight management and emerging therapeutic uses in obesity-related comorbidities, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. The development of new AOMs will further empower providers to deliver effective obesity management.

Pharmacological therapies to address obesity in type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is increasing in prevalence among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk. The management of obesity in this population is complicated by defects in pancreatic islet hormone secretion and the effects of exogenous insulin treatment. Here, we review the effects of antiobesity medications and adjunct-to-insulin medications on body weight in T1D.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a profound evidence gap around the use of drugs for the treatment of obesity in T1D since systematic studies have not been performed in this population. Adjunctive-to-insulin therapy with certain antihyperglycemic agents leads to modest weight loss and reductions in insulin dose in T1D. However, only pramlintide has been approved in the United States for clinical use as adjunctive therapy in T1D.

SUMMARY

The growing prevalence of obesity in T1D has created an unmet need for safe and effective therapies to treat overweight and obesity in this population. Currently, antiobesity medications are used off-label for the treatment of patients with T1D. Additional studies are needed to understand the role of these medications in the management of obesity in patients with T1D.

Retinol, Retinoic Acid, and Retinol-Binding Protein 4 are Differentially Associated with Cardiovascular Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and Obesity: An Overview of Human Studies

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble essential nutrient obtained from plant- and animal-based sources that has roles in growth, vision, and metabolism. Vitamin A circulates mainly as retinol bound to retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and is delivered to tissues and converted to retinoic acid, which is a ligand for several nuclear receptors. In recent years, aspects of vitamin A metabolism have been under scrutiny with regards to the development of metabolic and lifestyle diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and overweight and obesity in humans. Studies have mainly focused on RBP4 in this context, whereas the major circulating form, retinol, and the major bioactive form, retinoic acid, have been overlooked in this regard until recently. As one of the main roles of RBP4 is to deliver retinol to tissues for biological action, the associations of retinol and retinoic acid with these diseases must also be considered. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent and available evidence from human studies with focus on retinol, retinoic acid, and RBP4 and provide an overview of these crucial components of vitamin A metabolism in CVD, T2DM, and obesity. In summary, retinol was found to be both inversely and positively associated with CVD whereas the associations with T2DM and obesity were less clear. Although only a few studies have been published on retinoic acid, it was inversely associated with CVD. In contrast, serum RBP4 was mostly found to be positively associated with CVD, T2DM, and obesity. At present, it is difficult to ascertain why the reported associations differ depending on the compound under study, but there is a clear imbalance in the literature in disfavor of retinol and retinoic acid, which needs to be considered in future human studies.

Obesity Therapy: How and Why?

Background:

Obesity represents the second preventable mortality cause worldwide, and is very often associated with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The first line treatment is lifestyle modification to weight-loss, but for those who fail to achieve the goal or have difficulty in maintaining achieved results, pharmacological treatment is needed. Few drugs are available today, because of their side effects.

Objective:

We aim to review actual pharmacological management of obese patients, highlighting differences between Food and Drug Administration - and European Medicine Agency-approved molecules, and pointing out self-medications readily obtainable and widely distributed.

Methods:

Papers on obesity, weight loss, pharmacotherapy, self- medication and diet-aid products were selected using Medline. Research articles, systematic reviews, clinical trials and meta-analyses were screened.

Results:

Anti-obesity drugs with central mechanisms, such as phentermine and lorcaserin, are available in USA, but not in Europe. Phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion combinations are now available, even though the former is still under investigation from EMA. Orlistat, with peripheral mechanisms, represents the only drug approved for weight reduction in adolescents. Liraglutide has been approved at higher dose for obesity. Anti-obesity drugs, readily obtainable from the internet, include crude-drug products and supplements for which there is often a lack of compliance to national regulatory standards.

Conclusion:

Mechanisms of weight loss drugs include the reduction of energy intake or the increase in energy expenditure and sense of satiety as well as the decrease of hunger or the reduction in calories absorption. Few drugs are approved, and differences exist between USA and Europe. Moreover, herbal medicines and supplements often sold on the internet and widely used by obese patients, present a risk of adverse effects.

Effect of weight reduction on glycated haemoglobin in weight loss trials in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To quantify the effect of weight loss on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at group level, based on data from published weight loss trials in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL (January 1990 through December 2012) was conducted to identify prospective trials of energy-reduced diets, obesity drugs or bariatric surgery in adult, overweight and obese patients with T2D. Based on clinical data with follow-up from 3 to 24 months, a linear model was developed to describe the effect of weight reduction on HbA1c.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 58 eligible articles consisting of 124 treatment groups and 17 204 subjects, yielding a total of 250 data points with concurrent mean changes from baseline in weight and HbA1c. The model-based analyses indicated a linear relationship between weight loss and HbA1c reduction, with an estimated mean HbA1c reduction of 0.1 percentage points for each 1 kg of reduced body weight for the overall population. Baseline HbA1c was a significant covariate for the relationship between weight loss and HbA1c: high HbA1c at baseline was associated with a greater reduction in HbA1c for the same degree of weight loss. The collected trial data also indicated weight-loss-dependent reductions in antidiabetic medication.

CONCLUSIONS

At group level, weight loss in obese and overweight patients with T2D was consistently accompanied by HbA1c reduction in a dose-dependent manner. The model developed in the present study estimates that for each kg of mean weight loss, there is a mean HbA1c reduction of 0.1 percentage points. HbA1c-lowering is greater in populations with poor glycaemic control than in well controlled populations with the same degree of weight loss. This summary of data from previous trials regarding the effect of weight reduction on HbA1c may be used to support the design and interpretation of future studies that aim to demonstrate the efficacy of weight loss interventions for T2D treatment.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment in the Patient with Obesity

Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone treatment of type 2 diabetes in the obese patient, and is highly effective at promoting glucose regulation. However, many individuals struggle over time to maintain optimal glycemic control and/or body weight with lifestyle modification. Therefore, additional therapeutic approaches are needed. Pharmacologic interventions have shown promising results for obesity-related diabetes complications. Not surprisingly though lifestyle modification and pharmacology may become ineffective for treating diabetes over time. Bariatric surgery is considered by some, but not all, to be the most effective and durable treatment for combating obesity. In fact many patients with type 2 diabetes have normalized glucose concentrations within days postoperation. Taken together, treatment of obesity in the patient with type 2 diabetes requires a multi-faceted approach.

Pharmacological Approaches in the Treatment and Maintenance of Weight Loss

Obesity is a growing global health concern, associated with a number of important comorbid conditions. It increases the risk of diabetes and contributes to development of cardiovascular disease. While the benefits of weight loss are well established, weight reduction remains a difficult-to-reach goal in overweight and obese individuals due to several metabolic and psychological factors. For many patients, lifestyle intervention is insufficient to achieve long-term weight loss, and additional options, such as pharmacotherapy, need to be considered. Besides the challenging enterprise of weight reduction, weight maintenance remains an even more crucial and outcome-determining aspect of weight management. This article focuses on the potential of currently available pharmacological strategies to support weight loss and maintenance goals in individuals at risk. Two pharmacotherapy types are considered: those developed primarily to induce weight loss and those developed primarily for blood glucose control that have a favorable effect on body weight. Finally, the potential of very low- and low-calorie diets combined with pharmacotherapy and pharmacological combination therapies are discussed, as well as emerging approaches in development.

The future of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Archaic surgical procedures such as the jejunoileal bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty and duodenal switch have contributed to the current best practice of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure for the treatment of obesity and its consequences. Despite this, RYGB has been blighted with late occurring adverse events such as severe malnutrition, marginal ulcer and reactive hypoglycemia. Despite this, RYGB has given us an opportunity to examine the effect of surgery on gut hormones and the impact on metabolic syndrome which in turn has allowed us to carry out a lower impact but equally, if not more effective, procedure - the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). We examine the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy from the less challenging technical aspect to the effect on obesity and its metabolic syndrome long-term and have concluded that sleeve gastrectomy is possibly the next current best practice.

Improvement of plasma adiponectin, leptin and C-reactive protein concentrations by orlistat: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to ascertain the effect size of orlistat in modulating plasma levels of adipokines, ghrelin and C-reactive protein (CRP).

METHODS

Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched. A random-effects model and the generic inverse variance method were used for quantitative data synthesis. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using I(2) index. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using the one-study remove approach. Random-effects meta-regression was performed using unrestricted maximum likelihood method to evaluate the impact of duration of treatment, percentage change in body mass index (BMI) and baseline BMI values as potential confounders of the estimated effect size.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis suggested a significant increase in plasma levels of adiponectin [weighted mean difference (WMD): 19.18%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.80, 32.57, p = 0.005] and significant reductions in plasma levels of leptin (WMD: -13.24%, 95% CI: -20.69, -5.78, p = 0.001) and CRP (WMD: -11.52%, 95% CI: -16.55, -6.49, p < 0.001) following treatment with orlistat. In meta-regression, changes in plasma concentrations of adiponectin, leptin and CRP were associated with duration of treatment, but not with either change in BMI or baseline BMI values.

CONCLUSION

Orlistat is effective in increasing plasma concentrations of adiponectin and decreasing those of leptin and CRP.

Effect of orlistat on glycaemic control in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Orlistat is an effective adjunctive treatment to lifestyle modifications in the treatment of obesity. While the majority of current evidence is on the effect of orlistat in obese patients without diabetes, some studies suggest that patients who are obese and have diabetes mellitus lose more weight and have greater improvements in diabetic outcomes when treated with orlistat plus a lifestyle intervention than when treated by lifestyle interventions alone. The aim of this study was to review the evidence of the effects of orlistat on glycaemic control in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of orlistat in people with type 2 diabetes reporting diabetes outcomes in studies published between January 1990 and September 2013 was conducted. We searched for articles published in English in MEDLINE and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria included all randomized controlled trials of orlistat carried out on adult participants with a body mass index of 25 kg m(-2) or over diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which reported weight change and at least one diabetic outcome. A total of 765 articles were identified out of which 12 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall mean weight reduction (3, 6 and 12 months) in the orlistat group was -4.25 kg (95% CI: -4.5 to -3.9 kg). The mean weight difference between treatment and control groups was -2.10 kg (95% CI: -2.3 to -1.8 kg, P < 0.001), the mean HbA1c difference was -6.12 mmol mol(-1) (95% CI: -10.3 to -1.9 mmol mol(-1) , P < 0.004) and the mean fasting blood glucose difference was -1.16 mmol L(-1) (95% CI: -1.4 to -0.8 mmol L(-1) , P < 0.001). Treatment with orlistat plus lifestyle intervention resulted in significantly greater weight loss and improved glycaemic control in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes compared with lifestyle intervention alone.

Clinical Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes in the setting of obesity, with recent clinical trials demonstrating biochemical remission (i.e., euglycemia) in up to 40 % of subjects at 3 years post-surgery. Conversely, these trials also highlight that a significant proportion of individuals undergoing bariatric surgery experience residual diabetes (i.e., they do not achieve remission or experience diabetes recurrence). The management of residual diabetes following surgery requires personalized attention, yet limited evidence exists on which to base clinical decisions. Hence, we aim to review the evidence that does exist and propose clinical management strategies in patients with persistent hyperglycemia following bariatric surgery.

Weight management in type 2 diabetes: current and emerging approaches to treatment

Diabetes is a growing global health concern, as is obesity. Diabetes and obesity are intrinsically linked: obesity increases the risk of diabetes and also contributes to disease progression and cardiovascular disease. Although the benefits of weight loss in the prevention of diabetes and as a critical component of managing the condition are well established, weight reduction remains challenging for individuals with type 2 diabetes due to a host of metabolic and psychological factors. For many patients, lifestyle intervention is not enough to achieve weight loss, and alternative options, such as pharmacotherapy, need to be considered. However, many traditional glucose-lowering medications may lead to weight gain. This article focuses on the potential of currently available pharmacological strategies and on emerging approaches in development to support the glycemic and weight-loss goals of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Two pharmacotherapy types are considered: those developed primarily for blood glucose control that have a favorable effect on body weight and those developed primarily to induce weight loss that have a favorable effect on blood glucose control. Finally, the potential of combination therapies for the management of obese patients with type 2 diabetes is discussed.

Novel therapeutics for type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance

Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. Hence improving IR is a major target of treatment in patients with T2D. Obesity and lack of exercise are major causes of IR. However, recent evidence implicates sleep disorders and disorders of the circadian rhythm in the pathogenesis of IR. Weight loss and lifestyle changes are the cornerstone and most effective treatments of IR, but adherence and patient's acceptability are poor. Bariatric surgery results in significant and sustainable long-term weight loss associated with beneficial impact on IR and glucose metabolism, making this an attractive treatment option for patients with T2D. Currently available pharmacological options targeting IR (such as metformin and thiazolidinediones) do not maintain glycaemic measures within targets long term and can be associated with significant side effects. Over the last two decades, many pharmacological agents targeting different aspects of the insulin signalling pathway were developed to improve IR, but only a minority reached clinical trials. Such treatments need to be specific and reversible as many of the components of the insulin signalling pathway are involved in other cellular functions such as apoptosis. Recent evidence highlighted the role of circadian rhythm and sleep-related disorders in the pathogenesis of IR. In this article, we review the latest developments in the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions targeting IR including bariatric surgery. We will also review the role of circadian rhythm and sleep-related disorders in the development and treatment of IR.

Pharmacological Management of the Obese Patient

Being obese goes beyond moral failure or a character flaw. Obesity has the defining characteristics of a chronic disease for which there is no cure. Treatment may require lifelong treatment which may include pharmacotherapy. Experience with long term use of obesity drugs is limited but evidence suggests that pharmacotherapy can improve patient outcomes and patient outlook. With current obesity drugs, weight loss is usually modest but clinically significant satisfying the FDA threshold for drug effectiveness. This weight loss is associated with clinically significant improvements in many obesity co morbidities and risk factors and could eliminate some risk factors with continued use. When used in conjunction with a comprehensive program for weight management, obesity drugs can reduce appetite or hunger, increase satiety, provide improved control over aberrant eating behaviors and modify food seeking behaviors. Pharmacotherapy can enhance weight loss and compliance during the periods of weight loss and in maintaining that weight loss, increasing physical activity and may enhance a focus on making life long changes.

This article will discuss mechanisms of action of obesity drugs, theories of altered body defense of body weight, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved obesity drugs, and off-label use of FDA approved drugs. The value of over-the counter (OTC) medications and diet supplements, as well as fat substitutes in the treatment of obesity drugs will be explored. Obesity drugs awaiting FDA approval and compounds under development will be reviewed. The section on approaches to drug management will include clinical considerations for; who should receive pharmacotherapy and when, length of treatment and drug discontinuation, weight regain and the role of pharmacotherapy.

Treatment for overweight and obesity in adult populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major public health issue. This review updates the evidence on the effectiveness of behavioural and pharmacologic treatments for overweight and obesity in adults.

METHODS

We updated the search conducted in a previous review. Randomized trials of primary-care-relevant behavioural (diet, exercise and lifestyle) and pharmacologic (orlistat and metformin) with or without behavioural treatments in overweight and obese adults were included if 12-month, postbaseline data were provided for weight outcomes. Studies reporting harms were included regardless of design. Data were extracted and pooled wherever possible for 5 weight outcomes, 6 secondary health outcomes and 4 adverse events categories.

RESULTS

We identified 68 studies, most consisted of short-term (≤ 12 mo) treatments using diet (n = 8), exercise (n = 4), diet and exercise (n = 10), lifestyle (n = 19), orlistat (n = 25) or metformin (n = 4). Compared with the control groups, intervention participants had a greater weight loss of -3.02 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] -3.52 to -2.52), a greater reduction in waist circumference of -2.78 cm (95% CI -3.34 to -2.22) and a greater reduction in body mass index of -1.11 kg/m(2) (95% CI -1.39 to -0.84). The relative risk for loss of ≥ 5% body weight was 1.77 (95% CI 1.58-1.99, [number needed to treat 5, 95% CI 4-7]), and the relative risk for loss of ≥ 10% body weight was 1.91 (95% CI 1.69-2.16, [number needed to treat 9, 95% CI 7-12]). Incidence of type 2 diabetes was lower among pre-diabetic intervention participants (relative risk 0.62 [95% CI 0.50-0.77], number needed to treat 17 [95% CI 13-29]). With prevalence rates for type 2 diabetes on the rise, weight loss coupled with a reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes could potentially have a significant benefit on population health and a possible reduction in need for drug treatments for glycemic control.

INTERPRETATION

There is moderate quality evidence that behavioural and pharmacologic plus behvioural, treatments for overweight and obesity in adults lead to clinically important reductions in weight and incidence of type 2 diabetes in pre-diabetic populations.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO no. CRD42012002753.

Meta- and cost-effectiveness analysis of commercial weight loss strategies

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of clinically proven nonsurgical commercial weight loss strategies for those with BMIs between 25 and 40.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review to identify randomized controlled trials of commercially available weight loss studies of at least 1 year in duration. Using the results of these trials and publicly available cost data, we quantified the incremental cost per kilogram of weight loss and per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. We then use probabilistic sensitivity analyses to quantify uncertainty in our results.

RESULTS

Based on the literature review, two lifestyle programs (Weight Watchers and Vtrim), one meal replacement program (Jenny Craig), and three pharmaceutical products (Qsymia, Lorcaserin, and Orlistat) were included in the analysis. Average cost per kilogram of weight lost ranged from $155 (95% CI: $110-$218) for Weight Watchers to $546 (95% CI: $390-$736) for Orlistat. The incremental cost per QALY gained for Weight Watchers and Qsymia was $34,630 and $54,130, respectively. All other interventions were prohibitively expensive or inferior in that weight loss could be achieved at a lower cost through one or a combination of the other strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that, in the absence of other considerations and at current market prices, Weight Watchers and Qsymia represent the two most cost-effective strategies for nonsurgical weight loss.

The importance of weight management in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

The obesity epidemic is driving the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the vast majority of patients with T2DM are overweight or obese. Excess body weight is associated with the risk of cardiometabolic complications, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in T2DM.

AIMS

To review evidence about effects of weight loss in pre-diabetes and established T2DM.

RESULTS

In prediabetes, weight loss has been shown to delay the onset or decrease the risk of T2DM, while in established T2DM weight loss has been shown to improve glycaemic control, with severe calorie restriction even reversing the progression of T2DM. Observational studies support the reduction in cardiovascular risk factors following weight loss in patients with T2DM. However, data from the randomised Look AHEAD trial revealed intensive weight loss interventions did not reduce the rate of cardiovascular events in overweight or obese adults with T2DM, and secondary analyses of other large cardiovascular outcomes trials have also been inconclusive. However, besides cardiovascular risk, other documented benefits of weight loss in T2DM include improvements in quality of life, mobility, and physical and sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians should encourage weight loss in all overweight patients with or at risk of T2DM, and should consider the impact on weight when choosing the most appropriate glucose-lowering therapies for these patients.

Long-term drug treatment for obesity: a systematic and clinical review

IMPORTANCE

Thirty-six percent of US adults are obese, and many cannot lose sufficient weight to improve health with lifestyle interventions alone.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of medications currently approved in the United States for obesity treatment in adults. We also discuss off-label use of medications studied for obesity and provide considerations for obesity medication use in clinical practice.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A PubMed search from inception through September 2013 was performed to find meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized, placebo-controlled trials for currently approved obesity medications lasting at least 1 year that had a primary or secondary outcome of body weight change, included at least 50 participants per group, reported at least 50% retention, and reported results on an intention-to-treat basis. Studies of medications approved for other purposes but tested for obesity treatment were also reviewed.

FINDINGS

Obesity medications approved for long-term use, when prescribed with lifestyle interventions, produce additional weight loss relative to placebo ranging from approximately 3% of initial weight for orlistat and lorcaserin to 9% for top-dose (15/92 mg) phentermine plus topiramate-extended release at 1 year. The proportion of patients achieving clinically meaningful (at least 5%) weight loss ranges from 37% to 47% for lorcaserin, 35% to 73% for orlistat, and 67% to 70% for top-dose phentermine plus topiramate-extended release. All 3 medications produce greater improvements in many cardiometabolic risk factors than placebo, but no obesity medication has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity or mortality. Most prescriptions are for noradrenergic medications, despite their approval only for short-term use and limited data for their long-term safety and efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Medications approved for long-term obesity treatment, when used as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention, lead to greater mean weight loss and an increased likelihood of achieving clinically meaningful 1-year weight loss relative to placebo. By discontinuing medication in patients who do not respond with weight loss of at least 5%, clinicians can decrease their patients' exposure to the risks and costs of drug treatment when there is little prospect of long-term benefit.

Longterm management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with numerous reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Despite tremendous advances in the management of reproductive dysfunction, insight into the metabolic implications of PCOS is limited by the lack of uniform diagnostic criteria, the heterogeneity of the condition and the presence of confounders including obesity. Obesity clearly has a role in long term health and may best predict both reproductive and metabolic dysfunction as well as negatively affect the response to treatment in women with PCOS. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are also at the forefront of any risk assessment or comprehensive treatment strategy for these women. Lifestyle modifications including dietary changes, increased exercise and weight loss are appropriate first line interventions for many women with PCOS. Pharmaceuticals including metformin, lipid lowering agents and oral contraceptives should be tailored to the individual's risk profile and treatment goals.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome management options

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder of androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction. Hirsutism and elevated free testosterone levels are the most consistent signs of the androgen excess. Irregular, infrequent, or absent menses and infertility are symptoms of ovulatory dysfunction. Obesity is also a feature of this syndrome and contributes to associated metabolic abnormalities. Lifestyle modification should be the first treatment and is effective in reducing the signs and symptoms. The ovulatory infertility associated with PCOS can be overcome in most cases with oral (clomiphene citrate or letrozole) or injectable (gonadotropins) agents. Surgical intervention is reserved for cases resistant to medical management.

New players for advanced prostate cancer and the rationalisation of insulin-sensitising medication

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are recognised risk factors for the development of some cancers and, increasingly, predict more aggressive disease, treatment failure, and cancer-specific mortality. Many factors may contribute to this clinical observation. Hyperinsulinaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypoxia, ER stress, and inflammation associated with expanded adipose tissue are thought to be among the main culprits driving malignant growth and cancer advancement. This observation has led to the proposal of the potential utility of "old players" for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome as new cancer adjuvant therapeutics. Androgen-regulated pathways drive proliferation, differentiation, and survival of benign and malignant prostate tissue. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) exploits this dependence to systemically treat advanced prostate cancer resulting in anticancer response and improvement of cancer symptoms. However, the initial therapeutic response from ADT eventually progresses to castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which is currently incurable. ADT rapidly induces hyperinsulinaemia which is associated with more rapid treatment failure. We discuss current observations of cancer in the context of obesity, diabetes, and insulin-lowering medication. We provide an update on current treatments for advanced prostate cancer and discuss whether metabolic dysfunction, developed during ADT, provides a unique therapeutic window for rapid translation of insulin-sensitising medication as combination therapy with antiandrogen targeting agents for the management of advanced prostate cancer.

The Arg92Cys colipase polymorphism impairs function and secretion by increasing protein misfolding

Colipase is essential for efficient fat digestion. An arginine-to-cysteine polymorphism at position 92 of colipase (Arg92Cys) associates with an increased risk for developing type-2 diabetes through an undefined mechanism. To test our hypothesis that the extra cysteine increases colipase misfolding, thereby altering its intracellular trafficking and function, we expressed Cys92 colipase in HEK293T cells. Less Cys92 colipase is secreted and more is retained intracellularly in an insoluble form compared with Arg92 colipase. Nonreducing gel electrophoresis suggests the folding of secreted Cys92 colipase differs from Arg92 colipase. Cys92 colipase misfolding does not trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR) or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The ability of secreted Cys92 colipase to stimulate pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL) is reduced with all substrates tested, particularly long-chain triglycerides. The reaction of Cys92 colipase with triolein and Intralipid has a much longer lag time, reflecting decreased ability to anchor PTL on those substrates. Our data predicts that humans with the Arg92Cys substitution will secrete less functional colipase into the duodenum and have less efficient fat digestion. Whether inefficient fat digestion or another property of colipase contributes to the risk for developing diabetes remains to be clarified.

Obesity and the Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome: Therapeutic Modalities and Their Efficacy in Improving Cardiovascular and Renal Risk Factors

The prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly in the United States. Obesity affects about one third of the adult population and, even though it is attributed to excess calorie intake and inadequate physical activity, its etiopathogenesis is much more complex and is an area of active study. Lifestyle modifications (with a focus on increased activity and decreased calorie intake) have modest efficacy in the treatment of obesity. There is a dearth of safe and effective therapeutic modalities to treat obesity. In this review, we discuss the role of different treatment options in the management of obesity and its comorbidities, with a focus on recently approved drugs and the emerging role of bariatric surgery.

Anti-obesity drugs: a review about their effects and their safety

INTRODUCTION

Amphetamines, rimonabant and sibutramine licenses as anti-obesity drugs have been withdrawn because of their adverse effects. In fact, orlistat is the only available long-term treatment for obesity.

AREAS COVERED

The efficacy and safety of long-term drug therapy is very important in the management obesity; for this reason, the authors decided to conduct a review on the efficacy and safety of current, past and future pharmacotherapies for weight loss.

EXPERT OPINION

Orlistat is a good choice for the treatment of obesity, because of its safety on cardiovascular events and its positive effects on diabetic control, even if it is not as effective as rimonabant or sibutramine in reducing body weight. Regarding emerging anti-obesity therapies in diabetic people, we currently have drugs that have already been marketed including the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists exenatide and liraglutide; other than improving glycemic control, they also suppress appetite reducing body weight. Moreover, some other drugs are currently in study such as tesofensine, phentermine + topiramate, bupropion + naltrexone and bupropion + zonisamide. Furthermore, several additional gut hormone-based treatments for obesity are under investigation in Phase II and III clinical trials, with particular focus on ghrelin, peptide YY, pancreatic polypeptide, amylin and oxyntomodulin.