Study on Lorcaserin as a Weight Loss Medication
Background on Obesity
Researchers aimed to evaluate the safety of lorcaserin as a weight loss drug for individuals who are overweight or obese. Obesity has become a significant global issue, with 13% of adults classified as obese in 2016. This condition is often linked to various health complications, including hypertension and heart failure. While lifestyle modifications are essential for managing obesity, physicians may also prescribe medications. However, these drugs frequently come with cardiovascular side effects. Many weight loss medications have even been recalled due to their association with cardiovascular complications.
Overview of Lorcaserin
Lorcaserin is designed to assist with weight management by regulating appetite. Given the increasing demand for safe weight loss medications, researchers investigated the safety profile of lorcaserin in overweight and obese individuals.
Study Design and Methodology
The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, was a randomized, double-blind trial involving participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for cardiovascular issues from eight different countries. Participants were assigned to receive either a placebo or two daily doses of 10 mg of lorcaserin. Both groups also participated in weight loss and dietary programs to promote lifestyle changes alongside medication. The study tracked the incidence of cardiovascular complications and the onset of diabetes over its duration. A total of 12,000 participants were involved from January 2014 to November 2015, with an average age of 64 years.
Results of the Study
After one year, the study revealed that 38.7% of the lorcaserin group experienced a 5% weight loss, while 14.6% achieved a 10% weight loss. In contrast, the placebo group had a 5% weight loss in 17.4% of participants and a 10% weight loss in only 4.8%. Notably, the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference measurements in the placebo group were greater than those in the lorcaserin group after one year. Additionally, participants taking lorcaserin exhibited lower cardiovascular complications and risk factors, such as blood pressure and new diabetes diagnoses among at-risk individuals. The overall rates of cardiovascular complications were slightly higher in the placebo group at 6.2% compared to 6.1% in the lorcaserin group.
Adverse Events and Side Effects
Adverse event rates were comparable between both groups. In the lorcaserin cohort, participants experienced side effects that led to withdrawal, including headaches and nausea. There were also reports of hypoglycemia, including rare instances of life-threatening hypoglycemia, which occurred in 0.2% of the lorcaserin participants.
Long-term Implications and Conclusion
The study demonstrated substantial weight loss in the lorcaserin group, which was sustained even at the 40-month follow-up mark. Along with weight loss, there were reductions in blood pressure and triglyceride levels, likely attributable to weight loss. This is a significant finding, as other weight loss medications may adversely affect blood pressure. Moreover, lorcaserin did not appear to elevate the risk of cardiovascular complications in this study population, although adverse events were similar across both groups.
The findings underscore the pressing need for safe weight loss medications, with lorcaserin showing potential as an adjunct in weight loss programs for individuals who are overweight and have cardiovascular complications or risk factors. However, researchers caution that the safety findings of lorcaserin should be interpreted within the specific time frame of the study. Ongoing research into safe weight loss drugs is essential.
Reference
Bohula EA, Wiviott SD, McGuire DK et al. Cardiovascular Safety of Lorcaserin in Overweight or Obese Patients. N Engl J Med. 2018. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1808721
Author
Written by Olajumoke Marissa Ologundudu B.Sc. (Hons)