Adipose tissue morphology predicts improved insulin sensitivity following moderate or pronounced weight loss

BACKGROUND

Cross-sectional studies show that white adipose tissue hypertrophy (few, large adipocytes), in contrast to hyperplasia (many, small adipocytes), associates with insulin resistance and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We investigated if baseline adipose cellularity could predict improvements in insulin sensitivity following weight loss.

METHODS

Plasma samples and subcutaneous abdominal adipose biopsies were examined in 100 overweight or obese individuals before and 10 weeks after a hypocaloric diet (7±3% weight loss) and in 61 obese subjects before and 2 years after gastric by-pass surgery (33±9% weight loss). The degree of adipose tissue hypertrophy or hyperplasia (termed the morphology value) in each individual was calculated on the basis of the relationship between fat cell volume and total fat mass. Insulin sensitivity was determined by homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMAIR).

RESULTS

In both cohorts at baseline, subjects with hypertrophy displayed significantly higher fasting plasma insulin and HOMAIR values than subjects with hyperplasia (P<0.0001), despite similar total fat mass. Plasma insulin and HOMAIR were normalized in both cohorts following weight loss. The improvement (delta insulin or delta HOMAIR) was more pronounced in individuals with hypertrophy, irrespective of whether adipose morphology was used as a continuous (P=0.0002-0.027) or nominal variable (P=0.002-0.047). Absolute adipocyte size associated (although weaker than morphology) with HOMAIR improvement only in the surgery cohort. Anthropometric measures at baseline (fat mass, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio or waist circumference) showed no significant association with delta insulin or delta HOMAIR.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to anthropometric variables or fat cell size, subcutaneous adipose morphology predicts improvement in insulin sensitivity following both moderate and pronounced weight loss in overweight/obese subjects.

Tolerability of nausea and vomiting and associations with weight loss in a randomized trial of liraglutide in obese, non-diabetic adults

BACKGROUND

Liraglutide 3.0 mg, with diet and exercise, produced substantial weight loss over 1 year that was sustained over 2 years in obese non-diabetic adults. Nausea was the most frequent side effect.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate routinely collected data on nausea and vomiting among individuals on liraglutide and their influence on tolerability and body weight.

DESIGN

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind 20-week study with an 84-week extension (sponsor unblinded at 20 weeks, open-label after 1 year) in eight European countries (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00422058).

SUBJECTS

After commencing a 500-kcal/day deficit diet plus exercise, 564 participants (18-65 years, body mass index (BMI) 30-40 kg m(-2)) were randomly assigned (after a 2-week run-in period) to once-daily subcutaneous liraglutide (1.2, 1.8, 2.4 or 3.0 mg), placebo or open-label orlistat (120 mg × 3 per day). After 1 year, participants on liraglutide/placebo switched to liraglutide 2.4 mg, and subsequently, to liraglutide 3.0 mg (based on 20-week and 1-year results, respectively).

RESULTS

The intention-to-treat population comprised 561 participants (n=90-98 per arm, age 45.9±10.3 years, BMI 34.8±2.7 kg m(-2) (mean±s.d.)). In year 1, more participants reported ⩾1 episode of nausea/vomiting on treatment with liraglutide 1.2-3.0 mg (17-38%) than with placebo or orlistat (both 4%, P⩽0.001). Most episodes occurred during dose escalation (weeks 1-6), with 'mild' or 'moderate' symptoms. Among participants on liraglutide 3.0 mg, 48% reported some nausea and 13% some vomiting, with considerable variation between countries, but only 4 out of 93 (4%) reported withdrawals. The mean 1-year weight loss on treatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg from randomization was 9.2 kg for participants reporting nausea/vomiting episodes, versus 6.3 kg for those with none (a treatment difference of 2.9 kg (95% confidence interval 0.5-5.3); P=0.02). Both weight losses were significantly greater than the respective weight losses for participants on placebo (P<0.001) or orlistat (P<0.05). Quality-of-life scores at 20 weeks improved similarly with or without nausea/vomiting on treatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg.

CONCLUSION

Transient nausea and vomiting on treatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg was associated with greater weight loss, although symptoms appeared tolerable and did not attenuate quality-of-life improvements. Improved data collection methods on nausea are warranted.

Long-term changes in blood pressure following orlistat and sibutramine treatment: a meta-analysis

Previous meta-analyses investigating blood pressure effects of anti-obesity drugs have included studies using non-licensed doses, but not data from head-to-head studies. Furthermore, although diabetes is an important comorbidity in obesity, variation in blood pressure effects across diabetes status has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to estimate the effects on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of orlistat and sibutramine. Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane controlled trials register and reference lists of identified articles from 1990 to February 2009 were searched. All placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials of 12-month duration or randomized head-to-head studies of any duration on adults using standard doses were included. Studies/study arms were excluded if they only evaluated weight maintenance after weight loss. Randomized controlled trials were identified, subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and reviewed. Random effects models were used for assessment of weighted mean differences. Eighteen placebo-controlled (12 orlistat, 5540 patients; 6 sibutramine, 1495 patients) and four head-to-head trials (348 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Three orlistat and three sibutramine studies examined overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), as did two head-to-head trials. Mean baseline SBP ranged from 119 to 153 mmHg, and mean DBP from 69 to 98 mmHg. Overall, the placebo-controlled SBP change was -1.9 (95% CI; -2.7, -1.1) mmHg for orlistat, and 0.5 (-1.1, 2.1) mmHg for sibutramine. The corresponding values for DBP were -1.5 (-2.2, -0.8) and 1.7 (0.7, 2.6). Compared with patients without diabetes, diabetic patients treated with orlistat experienced smaller and non-significant reductions of SBP (-0.9; -2.6, 0.7 vs. -2.2; -3.0, -1.3) and DBP (-1.0; -2.4, 0.3 vs. -1.6; -2.4, -0.8). For sibutramine, higher on-treatment elevations in SBP (1.6; -1.3, 4.5 vs. 0.1; -1.8, 2.0) and DBP (2.4; 0.6, 4.1 vs. 1.4; 0.3, 2.5) were seen in patients with vs. without diabetes. In head-to-head trials, the overall differences between sibutramine and orlistat were small and non-significant for both SBP (1.0; -2.3, 4.3) and DBP (-0.2; -2.9, 2.5). In conclusion, in the studies using approved sibutramine doses, the drug caused significant elevations in DBP, while the overall SBP effect was near null. Moreover, absence of a blood pressure-lowering effect of orlistat ad a higher DBP elevation by sibutramine were observed for persons with diabetes. Head-to-head studies indicated that an indirect comparison of placebo-adjusted blood pressure effects may overestimate the adverse effects associated with sibutramine, but these studies were small, of shorter duration and of lower quality.

Discontinuation due to adverse events in randomized trials of orlistat, sibutramine and rimonabant: a meta-analysis

The objective of this article was to estimate the risk of discontinuation due to adverse events in trials of orlistat, sibutramine and rimonabant. Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane controlled trials register and reference lists of identified articles were searched from 1990 to May 2008. All randomized placebo-controlled trials of 12-24 months of duration on adults using licensed doses were included. Studies/study arms were excluded if they evaluated weight maintenance after weight loss. Trials were identified, subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria and reviewed. Data on participants, interventions and discontinuation were extracted and trials rated for quality based on established criteria. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled risk ratios, risk differences and number needed to harm (NNH). A total of 28 trials met the inclusion criteria (16 orlistat, 7 sibutramine and 5 rimonabant). The risk ratios for discontinuation due to adverse events were significantly elevated for rimonabant (2.00; 1.66-2.41) and orlistat (1.59; 1.21-2.08), but not sibutramine (0.98, 0.68-1.41). Compared with placebo, the risk difference was the largest for rimonabant (7%, 5-9%; NNH 14, 11-19), followed by orlistat (3%, 1-4%; NNH 39, 25-83), while no significant difference was seen for sibutramine (0.2%, -3 to 4%; NNH 500). The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal were gastrointestinal for orlistat (40%) and psychiatric for rimonabant (47%). Corresponding information was unavailable for sibutramine. In conclusion, available weight loss drugs differ markedly regarding risk of discontinuation due to adverse events, as well as in underlying causes of these events. Given the large number of patients eligible for treatment, the low NNH for rimonabant is a concern.

Effects of a dietary fibre supplement to a weight reduction programme on blood pressure. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Sixty-two moderately obese (body mass index = 34.8), but normotensive females were treated with a balanced hypocaloric diet providing 1,600 kcal/day and either a 6.5 g dietary fibre supplement or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, parallel group design. During a 12-week treatment programme, weight loss was similar in both groups (4.1 and 4.4 kg, respectively). Initially the blood pressure was 123/76 mmHg in the fibre group compared with 124/74 mmHg in the placebo group (p less than 0.05). In the fibre-treated group a significant fall in diastolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg was found (p less than 0.05). No significant change was seen in the placebo group. It is suggested that dietary fibre may affect blood pressure independently of weight change.

Removal of exogenous triglycerides in subjects with massive obesity before and after jejunoileal shunt operation

The fractional removal rate of exogenous triglycerides (TG) in 12 obese subjects with a mean body weight of 132+/-5 kg (S.E.M.) has been studied before a jejunoileal shunt operation. The study was repeated postoperatively at stable body weights 30-54 months later. The weight loss ranged from 13 to 65 kg (mean weight reduction 27%). In 8 patients, 0.3-6.0 kg of skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed surgically for cosmetic reasons during the weight reduction period. Serum cholesterol fell from 220+/-8 to 141+/-11 mg/100 ml (p less than 0.001). The serum TG reduction was not significant, 1.80+/-0.25 before and 1.50+/-0.19 mmol/l after operation. The fractional removal rate of exogenous TG, determined by the intravenous fat tolerance test (IVFTT) with the Intralipid fat emulsion, was not significantly changed. The IVFFT k2 value was 3.5+/-0.5%/min before and 4.3+/-0.6 after surgery (p greater than 0.05). Previous studies have shown that a major part of Intralipid is removed initially in skeletal muscle. The unchanged fractional removal rate of Intralipid, despite the marked reduction in the amount of adipose tissue, supports the concept that the adipose tissue may play a minor role in the initial elimination of exogenous TG from the bloodstream.

The effects of different dose regimens of niceritrol of serum lipid concentrations in man

The lipid-lowering effects of 3 g of the nicotinic acid derivative pentaerythritoltetranicotinate (niceritrol) given either 1 g X 3 or 1.5 g X 2 have been evaluated in 18 subjects with hyperlipoproteinaemia. When 1 g niceritrol was given three times daily, the serum TG concentration fell from 3.14 +/- 0.48 to 1.86 +/- 0.18 mmol/1 (41% reduction) and the serum cholesterol concentration from 282 +/- 9 to 227 +/- 11 mg/100 ml (20% reduction). The same daily dose, given 1.5 g twice, did not significantly lower the serum TG concentration, and serum cholesterol was lowered by only 12%. Niceritrol tablets prepared with a dissolution time of 60 or 90 min had identical lipid-lowering properties. Although patients may find it practical to take niceritrol only twice daily, such a dose regimen has considerably less effect on elevated serum lipids than a thrice-daily regimen.

Antihypertensive effects at rest and during exercise of a calcium blocker, nifedipine, alone and in combination with metoprolol

The effects of metoprolol and/or nifedipine on blood pressure were studied in 12 hypertensive males at rest and during standardized exercise on an ergometer bicycle. Metoprolol (100 mg X 2) and nifedipine (10 mg X 3) gave similar blood pressure reductions both at rest and during exercise. When the drugs were combined, the antihypertensive effect was potentiated. The PQ interval was not affected during any treatment period. No adverse reactions to the combined treatment were noted. The combination of a calcium blocker with vasodilating properties with a beta-blocker, which reduces cardiac output, thus seems a logical and promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of hypertension.

Effects of long-term therapy with labetalol on lipoprotein metabolism in patients with mild hypertension

The effects of labetalol on serum lipoproteins, the intravenous fat tolerance test (IVFTT) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) activities were studied in 16 patients with mild hypertension before and after 6 months of therapy. Most patients were found to be normotensive on 200 mg labetalol/day. Before therapy the mean concentration of serum TG was 0.75 +/- 0.21 (SD) mmol/l, of total cholesterol 5.41 +/- 1.25 mmol/l and of HDL cholesterol 1.67 +/- 0.61 mmol/l. After labetalol no significant changes were found in the concentrations of TG and cholesterol in the VLDL, LDL and HDL fractions. The mean values for the IVFTT and for LPL and HL activities were in the normal range and remained unchanged during therapy.

Effects of dietary fiber intake before meals on weight loss and hunger in a weight-reducing club

The effects of dietary fiber on subjective hunger ratings and weight losses were studied in 135 members of a weight loss club. After a run-in week, 100 members were randomly given one sachet of either bran or ispaghula granulate before meals for two weeks. Thirty-five controls only rated hunger. One hundred and eight members completed the trial: 23 controls, 45 on ispaghula and 40 on bran. No change in hunger ratings was found in the controls. Both fiber preparations lowered hunger ratings during weeks 2 and 3 compared to the run-in week. Ratings were similarly reduced at all meals. The mean (+/- SD) weight reductions during the trial were 4.6 +/- 2.7 kg for the controls, 4.2 +/- 3.2 kg for the ispaghula group and 4.6 +/- 2.3 kg for the bran group (p greater than 0.05 for all). In spite of recent changes in the diet towards food rich in dietary fibers, addition of extra dietary fiber immediately before meals reduced hunger feelings but had no effect on weight reduction.

Melatonin secretion related to side-effects of beta-blockers from the central nervous system

In two studies of hypertensive patients the relationship between beta-blocker-induced CNS side-effects and the nightly urinary secretion of melatonin was analysed. In one group (n = 10) placebo, atenolol (mean dose 86 mg/day) or propranolol (mean dose 305 mg/day) were given in a double-blind, randomised design. In the other (n = 13) 100-400 mg metoprolol was given daily (mean dose 197 mg). After 4 weeks of treatment all beta-blockers reduced melatonin excretion, but the effect was significant only for metoprolol. Sleep disturbance records revealed more disturbed nights in the metoprolol group compared with the propranolol and the atenolol groups, even when the difference in age between the groups was controlled for. In the metoprolol group a significant relationship (p less than 0.05) was found between the fall in melatonin and the percentage of disturbed nights. Severe CNS side-effects, such as nightmares, occurred only in patients treated with metoprolol (21%), which in all cases were accompanied by low levels of melatonin. Our data suggest that the CNS side-effects during beta-blockade are related to a reduction of melatonin levels.

Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in long-term insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Relation to residual insulin secretion, microvascular lesions and environmental factors

The aim of the present study concerning patients with long-term insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was to determine whether the serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations differ in subjects with and without residual insulin secretion. We also investigated whether factors such as sex, smoking, physical activity and microvascular lesions were associated with particular lipoprotein profiles. C-peptide excretion (greater than or equal to 0.2 nmol) in 24-hour urine samples was used as an indicator of residual insulin secretion. Twenty-two pairs of patients with and without residual insulin secretion matched for age at onset and disease duration were participating in the investigations of glycaemic control and microvascular lesions. The HbA1c was significantly lower in C-peptide excretors than in the non-excretors (6.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 7.9 +/- 0.3%, p less than 0.025). The lipids and lipoprotein fractions were all within normal limits. The HDL2/3 ratio was significantly higher in C-peptide excretors than in non-excretors (1.72 +/- 0.28 vs. 1.10 +/- 0.09, p less than 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that factors, such as physical activity, body mass index and glycaemic control could explain more of the variation in the different lipid and lipoprotein fractions than residual C-peptide excretion alone. The only fraction correlating with C-peptide excretion was HDL3 cholesterol. It is concluded that minute residual insulin secretion per se is of minor importance for the regulation of lipids and lipoproteins. Glucose control and residual insulin secretion together with environmental factors seem to be of great importance for the regulation of the lipid and lipoprotein levels in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Three year's follow-up of members of a Swedish commercial weight-reducing club

The weight changes of 676 members of a commercial weight loosing club were analysed and a questionnaire was given to a subgroup of 150 participants. The median age at entry was 48 years. The Broca index (kg/cm - 100) ranged from 0.85 to 1.70. Only 15 males participated. The initiative to join the club came from the member herself in 59% of the cases; only 3% were referred by a physician. The drop-out frequency during an 8-week "Slim Club" course was 55%. Members who participated in more than 4 of the 8 weekly sessions had a mean weight loss of 6.2 kg (range 0.5 - 15). Members with higher initial weights lost more than those who were less overweight. The mean cost of each kg lost was about 40 Sw. cr./kg (approximately 9 US$). After 3 years, 367 members could be contacted for an interview. Their initial mean weight (+/- S. D.) was 76.1 +/- 9.8 kg. After the initial course the mean weight was 70.5 +/- 9.4 kg (p less than 0.001). Three years later the reported mean weight was 72.3 +/- 10.1 kg (p less than 0.001 versus initial weight). Thus even a short course may have significant long-term effects on weight loss. The weight-reducing club may therefore be a helpful tool in the treatment of overweight subjects.

Intravenous fat tolerance test with Intralipid in chronic renal failure

The intravenous fat tolerance test with Intralipid has been used to evaluate the triglyceride (TG) removal capacity in 34 male patients with varying degree of chronic renal failure (CRF). The investigations were repeated in 10 patients after 2-3 years when the renal function had deteriorated further. The fractional removal rate of Intralipid (k2) was low compared to controls, regardless of degree of renal function, etiology of renal disease or treatment with antihypertensive drugs. The k2 value did not change in patients investigated twice, although there was a considerable decrease in renal function. Both in patients and controls there was a strong negative correlation between k2 and the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) TG concentration. However, at the same k2 value, the VLDL TG concentration was higher in patients than in controls. These data suggest that the hypertriglyceridemia commonly seen in patients with CRF is caused both by an increased VLDL production and a decreased VLDL removal from the circulation. Furthermore, these changes in TG metabolism are induced early in the course of renal insufficiency.

Long-term beta 1-selective adrenergic blockade and adrenergic receptors in human subcutaneous adipocytes

The influence of beta-adrenergic blockade with metoprolol, a beta 1-selective agent, on the adrenergic regulation of lipid mobilization was explored in subcutaneous adipocytes removed from 13 patients with essential hypertension. Treatment with metoprolol, which was associated with adequate beta-adrenergic blockade and an antihypertensive effect, resulted in a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in the binding of the beta-adrenergic antagonist (-)-(3H)-dihydroalprenolol and a 50% increase (p less than 0.01) in the maximum lipolytic response to the beta-adrenergic agonist isopropylnoradrenaline. In 7 patients with normotriglyceridaemia the total plasma triglyceride level increased significantly (p less than 0.025) during metoprolol treatment, a change that was due to an increase in the very low density lipoprotein triglycerides. The findings suggest that chronic treatment with the beta 1-selective adrenergic blocker metoprolol leads to a significant increase in beta-adrenoceptor density and an increase in the lipolytic response to beta-adrenergic agonists. This latter finding may, in some measure, account for the increased plasma triglyceride level observed.

Long-term effects of pindolol on serum lipoproteins in hypertensive patients

Serum lipoproteins were analysed in 11 hypertensive patients before and after 2 and 16 months on pindolol therapy. In all patients significant blood pressure reductions were achieved with a mean pindolol dose of 13 mg (range 5-30) per day at 16 months' follow-up. After 2 months a significant increase by 35% was found in VLDL TG and cholesterol concentrations, but after 16 months all lipoprotein values had reverted to pretreatment levels. HDL did not change during pindolol therapy. It is not established whether the lack of long-term effects of pindolol on serum lipoprotein is specifically due to its high degree of intrinsic sympatomimetic activity.

Long-term weight loss and weight-loss maintenance strategies

It has been suggested that about 20% of subjects undergoing weight-loss programmes can achieve a certain degree of long-term success. At present, surgery remains the only method resulting in long-term sustained weight loss, but access remains restricted. Hence it is important to analyse, in addition to pharmacotherapy, the methods to improve the effects of diet, exercise and behavioural modification. Since these techniques are less spectacular than others, there is a risk that their potential will be overlooked, in spite of the fact that they remain the main alternative for most subjects undergoing weight-loss therapy. This review summarizes realistic treatment alternatives and also provides data from a day care treatment, a strategy not much reported in the literature. This is a standard treatment modality for diabetes but less common in obesity treatment.

Disability pension, employment and obesity status: a systematic review

Disability pensions incur huge societal costs in many countries. In Sweden, the three greatest drivers of such productivity losses are musculo-skeletal, circulatory and psychiatric disorders, all closely associated with weight status. We identified 16 studies investigating the body mass index (BMI)-disability pension relation. In cross-sectional studies, a significantly greater proportion of obese compared with normal weight subjects were disability pensioners. In longitudinal studies, a J-shaped relation with BMI was generally found in both men and women of various ages. Different definitions of obesity status complicated interpretation, as several studies mixed the underweight and normal weight, which appear to have different disability pension risks. In middle-aged men, relative risks were elevated for circulatory causes only for the overweight and obese, while associations for mental disorders were similar in the underweight and overweight but much higher in the obese. In both sexes, monotonic increases and decreases were seen for circulatory and respiratory causes respectively. In intervention studies, reduced disability pension incidence and increased gainful employment were reported after surgery. In summary, BMI was significantly associated with disability pension, but the direction of causality may vary with underlying cause. Interventions had positive productivity effects in the morbidly obese, but whether this holds for the overweight remains to be proven.

Head-to-head studies evaluating efficacy of pharmaco-therapy for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing weight loss drugs approved in the European Union were reviewed and the results analysed by meta-analysis. Eight RCTs including 885 patients were found comparing weight loss of orlistat and sibutramine, while no study including rimonabant was found. The median study duration was 7 months (range 3-12). Four of the seven studies comparing sibutramine and orlistat mono-therapy showed that sibutramine was significantly more efficacious for weight loss, while the remaining three showed equivalence. The weighted mean difference in weight loss was 2.2 kg (95% CI 0.5-3.9) favouring sibutramine. Three studies investigated orlistat and sibutramine as combination therapy, and two found it to be significantly better than orlistat alone, but not better than sibutramine alone. Based on these head-to-head RCT data, sibutramine appears to be significantly more efficacious for achieving weight loss than orlistat. This is concordant with indirect evidence from previous meta-analyses, where the respective compounds were compared with placebo. Only four studies reported attrition, and the pooled risk ratio was 0.6 (0.3-1.4) indicating lower dropout for sibutramine. This information together with an understanding of the clinical properties of each drug should help to guide the prescribing physician in the selection of adequate drug therapy for obesity.

An Internet-based weight loss programme -- a feasibility study with preliminary results from 4209 completers

AIMS

1. To identify characteristics of individuals seeking help for their weight problem via an internet-based programme. 2. To identify indicators of long term success in such a programme.

METHODS

An internet-based weight club (www.viktklubb.se) was used consisting of standard algorithms for calculating body mass index (BMI), food energy content and exercise energy cost. All members filled in basic data and could volunteer to fill in additional research related questions. Together with data on treatment success, attrition, and use of the various components of the programme, this information was automatically monitored and downloaded to a database.

RESULTS

Eighty-six percent of the members were female, and the age range was wide (range 18-101 years; mean 40.3 +/-11.5 years). At baseline, BMI of the entire group was 29.3 +/-5.1 kg/m(2) with 39% obese and 45% overweight. Among the completers, 16% changed from overweight or obese to normal weight. This corresponded to 29% of the members losing 5-9.9% of their initial body weight and 20% losing > or =10% of their. The strongest predictors of weight loss were activity in the weight club as judged by number of logins and diary entries, and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

A sizeable, but seemingly random, dropout rate was observed, together with significant dose-response effects between activity in the internet-based program and weight-loss among completers. Given its low cost and high accessibility at 24 hours a day, this form of programme delivery is interesting to evaluate and develop further, especially regarding attrition.

Who will lose weight on sibutramine and orlistat? Psychological correlates for treatment success

AIM

To study the associations between weight loss with sibutramine and orlistat with psychological aspects that may interact with patients' response to these drugs.

METHODS

A total of 478 obese patients with a mean body mass index of 42 +/- 12 kg/m(2) gave self-reported, retrospective data on different types of previous weight loss treatments (sibutramine and orlistat, and Weight Watchers used as a control condition) including the amount of weight lost with these treatments, eating behaviour (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) and personality (NEO Personality Inventory - Revised).

RESULTS

Greater weight loss with sibutramine was associated with lower levels of restrained eating and higher levels of 'neuroticism', in particular 'anxiety' and 'depression'. Greater weight loss with orlistat was associated with aspects of the personality dimension 'conscientiousness' (e.g. 'order' and 'deliberation').

CONCLUSION

Sibutramine may exert its greatest effect in patients whose eating is a 'natural' response to hunger rather than regulated by cognitions and conscious controls. Patients with low levels of restraint could be more sensitive to the satiety-enhancing effect of sibutramine. They may be able to reduce their food intake without cognitive interference and/or start to control their eating most radically in response to enhanced satiety. Enhanced satiety may also help patients withstand a wish to eat triggered by psychological distress. Possible central nervous system effects on mood could also have reduced eating, which was related to distress. The administration regimen of orlistat is more demanding, requiring greater adherence. This can account for the finding that personality attributes such as conscientiousness are important for success.

Sexual function in obese women: impact of lower urinary tract dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact on sexual function attributed to lower urinary tract dysfunction in a female obese population.

DESIGN

We performed a case-control study based on the registry of a university hospital obesity unit. A consecutive sample of women with body mass index(BMI) >or=30 (obese) was randomly matched by age, gender and residential county to control subjects using the computerized Register of the Total Population. Data were collected by a self-reported postal survey including the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12).

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed and returned by 279/446 patients (62%) and 430/892 control subjects (48%). Obese women reported significantly lesser satisfaction with their sexual life, more frequent symptoms of urinary incontinence at intercourse, more often fear of urine leakage at intercourse, a higher tendency toward avoiding intercourse and more frequent feelings of guilt and disgust during intercourse (P<0.001). While considering sexual function in a subset of women with urge or stress urinary incontinence, the overall PISQ-12 scores were significantly lower in obese women compared to their age-matched nonobese controls for both the conditions (P<0.001). In an adjusted multivariate analysis, a BMI >30 was independently associated with a significantly increased risk for sexual dysfunction (odds ratio (OR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.9), as were symptoms of urge or stress urinary incontinence (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.1 and OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.7-4.0), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Urge and stress urinary incontinences are more common and have greater impact on sexual function in obese women.

Topiramate in the treatment of obese subjects with drug-naive type 2 diabetes

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of topiramate as an adjunct to diet and exercise in drug-naive, obese subjects with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Drug-naive individuals with type 2 diabetes, body mass index (BMI) of > or =27 and <50 kg/m(2) and haemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) of <10.5% were enrolled into the study. All the individuals participated in a non-pharmacologic weight loss program (Pathways to Change((R)); Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Systems, Piscataway, NJ, USA) throughout the trial. After a 6-week placebo run-in, the subjects were randomized to placebo, topiramate 96 mg/day or topiramate 192 mg/day. Subjects were scheduled for 8-week titration and 52-week maintenance phases. The study was ended early; efficacy data were reported for a predefined modified intent-to-treat (MITT) population (n = 229), with 40 weeks of treatment. All the subjects who provided any safety data were included in the safety population (n = 535).

RESULTS

Baseline mean weight was 103.7 kg, BMI 36 kg/m(2) and HbA(1c) 6.7% across all treatment groups. By the end of week 40, the placebo, the topiramate 96 mg/day and topiramate 192 mg/day groups lost 2.5, 6.6 and 9.1% of their baseline body weight respectively (p < 0.001 vs. placebo, MITT population using last observation carried forward). The decrease in HbA(1c) was 0.2, 0.6 and 0.7% respectively (p < 0.001 vs. placebo, MITT). Topiramate significantly reduced blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion; a weight-loss-independent HbA(1c) improving effect of topiramate was demonstrated. Adverse events were predominantly related to central nervous system (CNS).

CONCLUSIONS

Topiramate as an add-on treatment to lifestyle improvements produced significant weight loss and improved glucose homeostasis in obese, drug-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes. These treatment advantages should be balanced against the occurrence of adverse events in the CNS.

Influence of diffusion on models for nonequilibrium wetting

It is shown that the critical properties of a recently studied model for nonequilibrium wetting are robust if one extends the dynamic rules by single-particle diffusion on terraces of the wetting layer. Examining the behavior at the critical point and along the phase transition line, we identify a special point in the phase diagram where detailed balance of the dynamical processes is partially broken.

Eating habits in relation to body fatness and gender in adolescents--results from the 'SWEDES' study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if eating habits among adolescents are related to body fatness and gender.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Obesity Unit, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden, 2001-2002.

SUBJECTS

Two hundred and seventy-five girls and 199 boys, aged 16-17 years.

METHOD

Questionnaires were used for dietary intake and meal frequency, BodPod for measuring body fatness (BF%). In all, 169 girls and 128 boys were classified as adequate reporters (AR) of energy intake, and were used in the dietary analyses. The whole sample was used in the meal frequency analyses.

RESULTS

The correlation between reported energy intake and weight in the AR group was 0.23 (P<0.01) for girls and 0.36 for boys (P<0.001). The correlations were inverse or not significant in the whole sample. The following variables correlated significantly with a high BF% (r (s)=+/-0.2): a low intake of milk in both girls and boys, a high intake of fibre and alcohol and a low intake of sugar in girls and a low intake of breakfast cereals in boys. Those with regular breakfast habits had healthier food choices than others, but this was not related to BF%. Boys had more meals per day (4.9 vs 4.6, P=0.02), especially early in the morning and late at night, whereas girls reported a higher relative intake of light meals and fruit and a lower intake of milk than boys.

CONCLUSIONS

A few associations between eating habits and body fatness were found, but without any obvious patterns. The true differences in eating habits between lean and overweight adolescents are probably very small.

False-positive breath-alcohol test after a ketogenic diet

A 59-year-old man undergoing weight loss with very low calorie diets (VLCD) attempted to drive a car, which was fitted with an alcohol ignition interlock device, but the vehicle failed to start. Because the man was a teetotaller, he was surprised and upset by this result. VLCD treatment leads to ketonemia with high concentrations of acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood. The interlock device determines alcohol (ethanol) in breath by electrochemical oxidation, but acetone does not undergo oxidation with this detector. However, under certain circumstances acetone is reduced in the body to isopropanol by hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). The ignition interlock device responds to other alcohols (e.g. methanol, n-propanol and isopropanol), which therefore explains the false-positive result. This 'side effect' of ketogenic diets needs further discussion by authorities when people engaged in safety-sensitive work (e.g. bus drivers and airline pilots) submit to random breath-alcohol tests.

A comparison of effects of fish and beef protein on satiety in normal weight men

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have indicated that fish protein may have a greater effect on satiety compared to other protein sources of animal origin.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of fish protein and beef protein meals on hunger and satiety.

DESIGN

Twenty-three normal non-smoking, healthy males aged 20-32 years, body mass index 22.5+/-1.8 (s.d.) kg/m(2) participated in a study, with within-subjects design and 1 week between test days. In the morning of the test days, subjects received a standardized breakfast. Four hours after breakfast, subjects were served an iso-energetic protein-rich (40 energy % protein) lunch meal, consisting of either a fish protein dish or a beef protein dish. Four hours after the start of the lunch meals, an ad libitum standardized evening meal was served and the intake of food was measured. Appetite was rated by visual analogue scales (VAS) immediately before and after the meals, as well as every hour between the meals. After the evening meal until bedtime, subjects were asked to record in detail foods and drinks consumed.

RESULTS

The repeated VAS-ratings of hunger, satiety and prospective consumption were modelled in a random effects model, taking pre-lunch VAS-ratings into account. After the fish meal, the point estimates were lower for hunger (-2+/-4.8), higher for satiety (8.7+/-6.0) and lower for prospective consumption (-4.9+/-4.7), but they did not reach statistical significance (P satiety=0.88; P hunger=0.15; P prospective=0.30). However, the energy intake at the evening meal displayed significant differences with subjects eating less after the fish protein lunch (2765 vs 3080 KJ, P<0.01) without feeling less satiated. No later energy compensation after the evening meal was found on the test day.

CONCLUSION

Although no significant differences in VAS-ratings of satiety or hunger were detected, subjects displayed an 11% reduction in energy intake at the subsequent evening meal.

Prevalence of obesity in Sweden

Although the prevalence of obesity in Sweden still is low in an international perspective, the development during the last decades is alarming in adults, adolescents and children alike. The prevalence of obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg m-2] in adults has doubled during the last two decades and is now approximately 10% in both men and women, according to estimates based on self-reported BMI from repeated random samples of the population. However, prevalence estimates based on measured BMI from the WHO MONICA study indicate that the self-reported data result in underestimates. In military conscripts, the prevalence of obesity (BMI > 30 kg m-2) almost quadrupled to 3.2% from 1971 to 1995, while the overweight fraction (BMI > 25 kg m-2) more than doubled to 16.3%. The development in younger age groups seems to be similar; the prevalence of overweight [International Obesity Task Force (IOTF)/Cole] in children aged 10 years in Gothenburg has doubled to 18% (2.9% obese) during the last decade, and similar figures have been reported in other studies. However, most reports on childhood overweight stem from the larger metropolitan areas, and hence may be underestimates because of the urban-rural influence on obesity-status. Recent data from non-urban areas in the northern part of Sweden estimate the prevalence of overweight (BMI > 20 kg m-2) in 10-year-olds to above 30%. In the most comprehensive study in children, including both rural and urban areas, BMI was measured among all children aged 10 years (n = 5517; 92.7% of the population) in the county of Ostergotland, and the prevalence of overweight (IOTF/Cole) was 22% in both boys and girls, of which 4% and 5% were obese respectively.