Alpana P. Shukla, MD, MRCP

Patients with overweight and obesity are at increased risk of multiple morbidities, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes (T2D), osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and all-cause mortality.¹ Even modest weight loss—5% to 10%—can lead to a clinically relevant reduction in this risk of disease.^2,3 The American Academy of Family Physicians recognizes obesity as a disease, and recommends screening of all adults for obesity and referral for those with body mass index (BMI)* ≥30 to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions.^4,5

For some patients, diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications are sufficient; for the great majority, however, weight loss achieved by lifestyle modification is counteracted by metabolic adaptations that promote weight regain.⁶ For patients with obesity who are unable to achieve or maintain sufficient weight loss to improve health outcomes with lifestyle modification alone, options include pharmacotherapy, devices, endoscopic bariatric therapies, and bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective of these treatments, due to its association with significant and sustained weight loss, reduction in obesity-related comorbidities, and improved quality of life.^1,7 Furthermore, compared with usual care, bariatric surgery is associated with a reduced number of cardiovascular deaths, a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in adults with obesity, and a long-term reduction in overall mortality.^8-10

What are the options? Who is a candidate?

The 3 most common bariatric procedures in the United States are sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB).¹¹ SG and RYGB are performed more often than the LAGB, consequent to greater efficacy and fewer complications.¹² Weight loss is maximal at 1 to 2 years, and is estimated to be 15% of total body weight for LAGB; 25% for SG; and 35% for RYGB.^13,14

Weight loss is estimated to be 15% of total body weight for the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, 25% for sleeve gastrectomy, and 35% for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Not all patients are candidates for bariatric surgery. Contraindications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or respiratory dysfunction, poor cardiac reserve, nonadherence to medical treatment, and severe psychological disorders.¹⁵ Because some patients have difficulty maintaining weight loss following bariatric surgery and, on average, patients regain at least some weight, patients must understand that long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up are critical to the success of bariatric surgery.¹⁶

When should bariatric surgery be considered?

American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/The Obesity Society guidelines¹⁶ conceptualize 2 indications for bariatric surgery:

• adults with BMI ≥40
• adults with BMI ≥35 who have obesity-related comorbid conditions and are motivated to lose weight but have not responded to behavioral treatment, with or without pharmacotherapy, to achieve sufficient weight loss for target health goals.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines¹⁷ conceptualize 3 indications for bariatric surgery:

• adults with BMI ≥40
• adults with BMI ≥35 with 1 or more severe obesity-related complications
• adults with BMI 30-34.9 with diabetes or metabolic syndrome (evidence for this recommendation is limited).

Continue to: The 3 illustrative vignettes presented...

The 3 illustrative vignettes presented in this article offer examples of patients with obesity who could benefit from bariatric surgery. Each has been unable to achieve or maintain sufficient weight loss to improve health outcomes with nonsurgical interventions alone.

CASE 1

Sleep apnea persists despite weight loss

Robin W, a 50-year-old woman with class-II obesity (5’8”; 250 lb; BMI, 38 ), OSA requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and iron-deficiency anemia secondary to menorrhagia, and taking an iron supplement, presents for weight management. She has lost 50 lb, reducing her BMI from 45.6 with behavioral modifications and pharmacotherapy, but she has been unsuccessful at achieving further weight loss despite a reduced-calorie diet and at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.

Long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up are critical to the success of bariatric surgery.

Ms. W is frustrated that she has reached a weight plateau; she is motivated to lose more weight. Her goal is to improve her weight-related comorbid conditions and reduce her medication requirement. Despite the initial weight loss, she continues to require CPAP therapy for OSA and remains on 3 medications for hypertension. She does not have cardiac or respiratory disease, psychiatric diagnoses, or a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Is bariatric surgery a reasonable option for Ms. W? If so, which procedure would you recommend?

Good option for Ms. W: Sleeve gastrectomy

It is reasonable to consider bariatric surgery—in particular, SG—for this patient with class-II obesity and multiple weight-related comorbid conditions because she has been unable to achieve further weight loss with more conservative measures.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? SG removes a large portion of the stomach along the greater curvature, reducing the organ to approximately 15% to 25% of its original size.¹⁸ The procedure leaves the pyloric valve intact and does not involve removal or bypass of the intestines.

How appealing and successful is it? The majority of patients who undergo SG experience significant weight loss; studies report approximately 25% total body weight loss after 1 to 2 years.¹⁴ Furthermore, most patients with T2D experience resolution of, or improvement in, disease markers.¹⁹ Because SG leaves the pylorus intact, there are fewer restrictions on what a patient can eat after surgery, compared with RYGB. With further weight loss, Ms. W may experience improvement in, or resolution of, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and OSA.

The SG procedure itself is simpler than some other bariatric procedures and presents less risk of malabsorption because the intestines are left intact. Patients who undergo SG report feeling less hungry because the fundus of the stomach, which secretes ghrelin (the so-called hunger hormone), is removed.^18,20

What are special considerations, including candidacy? Patients with GERD are not ideal candidates for this procedure because exacerbation of the disease is a potential associated adverse event. SG is a reasonable surgical option for Ms. W because the procedure is less likely to exacerbate her nutritional deficiency (iron-deficiency anemia), compared to RYGB, and she does not have a history of GERD.

What are the complications? Complications of SG occur at a lower rate than they do with RYGB, which is associated with a greater risk of nutritional deficiency.¹⁸ Common early complications of SG include leaking, bleeding, stenosis, GERD, and vomiting due to excessive eating. Late complications include stomach expansion by 12 months, leading to decreased restriction.¹⁵ Unlike RYGB and LAGB, SG is not reversible.

Continue to: CASE 2

CASE 2

Severe obesity, polypharmacy for type 2 diabetes

Anne P, a 42-year-old woman with class-III obesity (5’6”; 290 lb; BMI, 46.8 kg/m²), presents to discuss bariatric surgery. Comorbidities include T2D, for which she takes metformin, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and a sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor; GERD; hypertension, for which she takes an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a calcium-channel blocker; hyperlipidemia, for which she takes a statin; and osteoarthritis.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is effective for weight loss because patients eat smaller portions and cannot absorb all they eat.

Ms. P lost 30 pounds—reducing her BMI from 51.6—when the sulfonylurea and thiazolidinedione she was taking were switched to the GLP-1 receptor agonist and the SGLT2 inhibitor. She also made behavioral modifications, including 30 minutes a day of physical activity and a reduced-calorie meal plan under the guidance of a dietitian.

However, Ms. P has been unable to lose more weight or reduce her hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level below 8%. Her goal is to avoid the need to take insulin (which several members of her family take), lower her HbA_1c level, and decrease her medication requirement.

Ms. P does not have cardiac or respiratory disease or psychiatric diagnoses. Which surgical intervention would you recommend for her?

Good option for Ms. P: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

RYGB is a reasonable option for a patient with class-III obesity and multiple comorbidities, including poorly controlled T2D and GERD, who has failed conservative measures but wants to lose more weight, reduce her HbA_1c, reduce her medication requirement, and avoid the need for insulin.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? RYGB constructs a small pouch from the proximal portion of the stomach and attaches it directly to the jejunum, thus bypassing part of the stomach and duodenum. The procedure is effective for weight loss because it is both restrictive and malabsorptive: patients not only eat smaller portions, but cannot absorb all they eat. Other mechanisms attributed to RYGB that are hypothesized to promote weight loss include²¹:

• alteration of endogenous gut hormones, which promotes postprandial satiety
• increased levels of bile acids, which promotes alteration of the gut microbiome
• intestinal hypertrophy.

How successful is it? RYGB is associated with significant total body weight loss of approximately 35% at 2 years.⁹ The procedure has been shown to produce superior outcomes in reducing comorbid disease compared to other bariatric procedures or medical therapy alone. Of the procedures discussed in this article, RYGB is associated with the greatest reduction in triglycerides, HbA_1c, and use of diabetes medications, including insulin.²²

What are special considerations, including candidacy? For patients with mild or moderate T2D (calculated using the Individualized Metabolic Surgery Score [http://riskcalc.org/Metabolic_Surgery_Score/], which categorizes patients by number of diabetes medications, insulin use, duration of diabetes before surgery, and HbA_1c), RYGB is recommended over SG because it leads to greater long-term remission of T2D.

RYGB is associated with a lower rate of GERD than SG and can even alleviate GERD in patients who have the disease. Furthermore, for patients with limited pancreatic beta cell reserve, RYBG and SG have similarly low efficacy for T2D remission; SG is therefore recommended over RYGB in this specific circumstance, given its slightly lower risk profile.²³

What are the complications? Patients who undergo any bariatric surgical procedure require long-term follow-up and vitamin supplementation, but those who undergo RYGB require stricter dietary adherence after the procedure; lifelong vitamin (D, B₁₂, folic acid, and thiamine), iron, and calcium supplementation; and long-term follow-up to reduce the risk and severity of complications and to monitor for nutritional deficiencies.⁷ As such, patients who have shown poor adherence to medical treatment are not good candidates for the procedure.

Continue to: Early complications include...

Early complications include leak, stricture, obstruction, and failure of the staple partition of the upper stomach. Late complications include nutritional deficiencies, as noted, and ulceration of the anastomosis. Dumping syndrome (overly rapid transit of food from the stomach into the small intestine) can develop early or late; early dumping leads to osmotic diarrhea and abdominal cramping, and late dumping leads to reactive hypoglycemia.¹⁵

Most patients with T2D who undergo sleeve gastrectomy see resolution of, or improvement in, markers of diabetes.

Technically, RYGB is a reversible procedure, although generally it is reversed only in extreme circumstances.

CASE 3

Fatty liver disease, hesitation to undergo surgery

Walt Z, a 35 year-old-man with class-II obesity (5’10”; 265 lb; BMI, 38 kg/m²), T2D, and hepatic steatosis, presents for weight management. He has been able to lose modest weight over the years with behavioral modifications, but has been unsuccessful in maintaining that loss. He requests referral to a bariatric surgeon but is concerned about the permanence and invasiveness of most bariatric procedures.

Which surgical intervention would you recommend for this patient?

Good option for Mr. Z: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band

Given that Mr. Z is a candidate for a surgical intervention but does not want a permanent or invasive procedure, LAGB is a reasonable option.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? LAGB is a reversible procedure in which an inflatable band is placed around the fundus of the stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to regulate food intake by adding or removing saline through a subcutaneous access port.

How appealing and successful is it? LAGB results in approximately 15% total body weight loss at 2 years.¹³ Because the procedure is purely restrictive, it carries a reduced risk of nutritional deficiency associated more commonly with malabsorptive procedures.

What are special considerations, including candidacy? As noted, Mr. Z expressed concern about the permanence and invasiveness of most bariatric procedures, and therefore wants to undergo a reversible procedure; LAGB can be a reasonable option for such a patient. Patients who want a reversible or minimally invasive procedure should also be made aware that endoscopic bariatric therapies and other devices are being developed to fill the treatment gap in the management of obesity.

What are the complications? Although LAGB is the least invasive procedure discussed here, it is associated with the highest rate of complications—most commonly, complications associated with the band itself (eg, nausea, vomiting, obstruction, band erosion or migration, esophageal dysmotility leading to acid reflux) and failure to lose weight.⁷ LAGB also requires more postoperative visits than other procedures, to optimize band tightness. A high number of bands are removed eventually because of complications or inadequate weight loss, or both.^13,24

Shared decision-making and dialogue are essential to overcome obstacles

Despite the known benefits of bariatric surgery, including greater reduction in the risk and severity of obesity-related comorbid conditions than seen with other interventions and a long-term reduction in overall mortality when compared with usual care, fewer than 1% of eligible patients undergo a weight-loss procedure.²⁵ Likely, this is due to:

• limited patient knowledge of the health benefits of surgery
• limited provider comfort recommending surgery
• inadequate insurance coverage, which might, in part, be due to a lack of prospective studies comparing various bariatric procedures.¹⁸

Continue to: Ultimately, the decision whether to undergo a bariatric procedure...

Ultimately, the decision whether to undergo a bariatric procedure, and which one(s) to consider, should be the product of a thorough conversation between patient and provider.

CORRESPONDENCE
Sarah R. Barenbaum, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, New York–Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, 530 East 70th Street, M-507, New York, NY 10021; srb9023@nyp.org

Patients with overweight and obesity are at increased risk of multiple morbidities, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes (T2D), osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and all-cause mortality.¹ Even modest weight loss—5% to 10%—can lead to a clinically relevant reduction in this risk of disease.^2,3 The American Academy of Family Physicians recognizes obesity as a disease, and recommends screening of all adults for obesity and referral for those with body mass index (BMI)* ≥30 to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions.^4,5

For some patients, diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications are sufficient; for the great majority, however, weight loss achieved by lifestyle modification is counteracted by metabolic adaptations that promote weight regain.⁶ For patients with obesity who are unable to achieve or maintain sufficient weight loss to improve health outcomes with lifestyle modification alone, options include pharmacotherapy, devices, endoscopic bariatric therapies, and bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective of these treatments, due to its association with significant and sustained weight loss, reduction in obesity-related comorbidities, and improved quality of life.^1,7 Furthermore, compared with usual care, bariatric surgery is associated with a reduced number of cardiovascular deaths, a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in adults with obesity, and a long-term reduction in overall mortality.^8-10

What are the options? Who is a candidate?

The 3 most common bariatric procedures in the United States are sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB).¹¹ SG and RYGB are performed more often than the LAGB, consequent to greater efficacy and fewer complications.¹² Weight loss is maximal at 1 to 2 years, and is estimated to be 15% of total body weight for LAGB; 25% for SG; and 35% for RYGB.^13,14

Weight loss is estimated to be 15% of total body weight for the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, 25% for sleeve gastrectomy, and 35% for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Not all patients are candidates for bariatric surgery. Contraindications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or respiratory dysfunction, poor cardiac reserve, nonadherence to medical treatment, and severe psychological disorders.¹⁵ Because some patients have difficulty maintaining weight loss following bariatric surgery and, on average, patients regain at least some weight, patients must understand that long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up are critical to the success of bariatric surgery.¹⁶

When should bariatric surgery be considered?

American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/The Obesity Society guidelines¹⁶ conceptualize 2 indications for bariatric surgery:

• adults with BMI ≥40
• adults with BMI ≥35 who have obesity-related comorbid conditions and are motivated to lose weight but have not responded to behavioral treatment, with or without pharmacotherapy, to achieve sufficient weight loss for target health goals.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines¹⁷ conceptualize 3 indications for bariatric surgery:

• adults with BMI ≥40
• adults with BMI ≥35 with 1 or more severe obesity-related complications
• adults with BMI 30-34.9 with diabetes or metabolic syndrome (evidence for this recommendation is limited).

Continue to: The 3 illustrative vignettes presented...

The 3 illustrative vignettes presented in this article offer examples of patients with obesity who could benefit from bariatric surgery. Each has been unable to achieve or maintain sufficient weight loss to improve health outcomes with nonsurgical interventions alone.

CASE 1

Sleep apnea persists despite weight loss

Robin W, a 50-year-old woman with class-II obesity (5’8”; 250 lb; BMI, 38 ), OSA requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and iron-deficiency anemia secondary to menorrhagia, and taking an iron supplement, presents for weight management. She has lost 50 lb, reducing her BMI from 45.6 with behavioral modifications and pharmacotherapy, but she has been unsuccessful at achieving further weight loss despite a reduced-calorie diet and at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.

Long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up are critical to the success of bariatric surgery.

Ms. W is frustrated that she has reached a weight plateau; she is motivated to lose more weight. Her goal is to improve her weight-related comorbid conditions and reduce her medication requirement. Despite the initial weight loss, she continues to require CPAP therapy for OSA and remains on 3 medications for hypertension. She does not have cardiac or respiratory disease, psychiatric diagnoses, or a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Is bariatric surgery a reasonable option for Ms. W? If so, which procedure would you recommend?

Good option for Ms. W: Sleeve gastrectomy

It is reasonable to consider bariatric surgery—in particular, SG—for this patient with class-II obesity and multiple weight-related comorbid conditions because she has been unable to achieve further weight loss with more conservative measures.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? SG removes a large portion of the stomach along the greater curvature, reducing the organ to approximately 15% to 25% of its original size.¹⁸ The procedure leaves the pyloric valve intact and does not involve removal or bypass of the intestines.

How appealing and successful is it? The majority of patients who undergo SG experience significant weight loss; studies report approximately 25% total body weight loss after 1 to 2 years.¹⁴ Furthermore, most patients with T2D experience resolution of, or improvement in, disease markers.¹⁹ Because SG leaves the pylorus intact, there are fewer restrictions on what a patient can eat after surgery, compared with RYGB. With further weight loss, Ms. W may experience improvement in, or resolution of, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and OSA.

The SG procedure itself is simpler than some other bariatric procedures and presents less risk of malabsorption because the intestines are left intact. Patients who undergo SG report feeling less hungry because the fundus of the stomach, which secretes ghrelin (the so-called hunger hormone), is removed.^18,20

What are special considerations, including candidacy? Patients with GERD are not ideal candidates for this procedure because exacerbation of the disease is a potential associated adverse event. SG is a reasonable surgical option for Ms. W because the procedure is less likely to exacerbate her nutritional deficiency (iron-deficiency anemia), compared to RYGB, and she does not have a history of GERD.

What are the complications? Complications of SG occur at a lower rate than they do with RYGB, which is associated with a greater risk of nutritional deficiency.¹⁸ Common early complications of SG include leaking, bleeding, stenosis, GERD, and vomiting due to excessive eating. Late complications include stomach expansion by 12 months, leading to decreased restriction.¹⁵ Unlike RYGB and LAGB, SG is not reversible.

Continue to: CASE 2

CASE 2

Severe obesity, polypharmacy for type 2 diabetes

Anne P, a 42-year-old woman with class-III obesity (5’6”; 290 lb; BMI, 46.8 kg/m²), presents to discuss bariatric surgery. Comorbidities include T2D, for which she takes metformin, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and a sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor; GERD; hypertension, for which she takes an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a calcium-channel blocker; hyperlipidemia, for which she takes a statin; and osteoarthritis.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is effective for weight loss because patients eat smaller portions and cannot absorb all they eat.

Ms. P lost 30 pounds—reducing her BMI from 51.6—when the sulfonylurea and thiazolidinedione she was taking were switched to the GLP-1 receptor agonist and the SGLT2 inhibitor. She also made behavioral modifications, including 30 minutes a day of physical activity and a reduced-calorie meal plan under the guidance of a dietitian.

However, Ms. P has been unable to lose more weight or reduce her hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level below 8%. Her goal is to avoid the need to take insulin (which several members of her family take), lower her HbA_1c level, and decrease her medication requirement.

Ms. P does not have cardiac or respiratory disease or psychiatric diagnoses. Which surgical intervention would you recommend for her?

Good option for Ms. P: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

RYGB is a reasonable option for a patient with class-III obesity and multiple comorbidities, including poorly controlled T2D and GERD, who has failed conservative measures but wants to lose more weight, reduce her HbA_1c, reduce her medication requirement, and avoid the need for insulin.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? RYGB constructs a small pouch from the proximal portion of the stomach and attaches it directly to the jejunum, thus bypassing part of the stomach and duodenum. The procedure is effective for weight loss because it is both restrictive and malabsorptive: patients not only eat smaller portions, but cannot absorb all they eat. Other mechanisms attributed to RYGB that are hypothesized to promote weight loss include²¹:

• alteration of endogenous gut hormones, which promotes postprandial satiety
• increased levels of bile acids, which promotes alteration of the gut microbiome
• intestinal hypertrophy.

How successful is it? RYGB is associated with significant total body weight loss of approximately 35% at 2 years.⁹ The procedure has been shown to produce superior outcomes in reducing comorbid disease compared to other bariatric procedures or medical therapy alone. Of the procedures discussed in this article, RYGB is associated with the greatest reduction in triglycerides, HbA_1c, and use of diabetes medications, including insulin.²²

What are special considerations, including candidacy? For patients with mild or moderate T2D (calculated using the Individualized Metabolic Surgery Score [http://riskcalc.org/Metabolic_Surgery_Score/], which categorizes patients by number of diabetes medications, insulin use, duration of diabetes before surgery, and HbA_1c), RYGB is recommended over SG because it leads to greater long-term remission of T2D.

RYGB is associated with a lower rate of GERD than SG and can even alleviate GERD in patients who have the disease. Furthermore, for patients with limited pancreatic beta cell reserve, RYBG and SG have similarly low efficacy for T2D remission; SG is therefore recommended over RYGB in this specific circumstance, given its slightly lower risk profile.²³

What are the complications? Patients who undergo any bariatric surgical procedure require long-term follow-up and vitamin supplementation, but those who undergo RYGB require stricter dietary adherence after the procedure; lifelong vitamin (D, B₁₂, folic acid, and thiamine), iron, and calcium supplementation; and long-term follow-up to reduce the risk and severity of complications and to monitor for nutritional deficiencies.⁷ As such, patients who have shown poor adherence to medical treatment are not good candidates for the procedure.

Continue to: Early complications include...

Early complications include leak, stricture, obstruction, and failure of the staple partition of the upper stomach. Late complications include nutritional deficiencies, as noted, and ulceration of the anastomosis. Dumping syndrome (overly rapid transit of food from the stomach into the small intestine) can develop early or late; early dumping leads to osmotic diarrhea and abdominal cramping, and late dumping leads to reactive hypoglycemia.¹⁵

Most patients with T2D who undergo sleeve gastrectomy see resolution of, or improvement in, markers of diabetes.

Technically, RYGB is a reversible procedure, although generally it is reversed only in extreme circumstances.

CASE 3

Fatty liver disease, hesitation to undergo surgery

Walt Z, a 35 year-old-man with class-II obesity (5’10”; 265 lb; BMI, 38 kg/m²), T2D, and hepatic steatosis, presents for weight management. He has been able to lose modest weight over the years with behavioral modifications, but has been unsuccessful in maintaining that loss. He requests referral to a bariatric surgeon but is concerned about the permanence and invasiveness of most bariatric procedures.

Which surgical intervention would you recommend for this patient?

Good option for Mr. Z: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band

Given that Mr. Z is a candidate for a surgical intervention but does not want a permanent or invasive procedure, LAGB is a reasonable option.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? LAGB is a reversible procedure in which an inflatable band is placed around the fundus of the stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to regulate food intake by adding or removing saline through a subcutaneous access port.

How appealing and successful is it? LAGB results in approximately 15% total body weight loss at 2 years.¹³ Because the procedure is purely restrictive, it carries a reduced risk of nutritional deficiency associated more commonly with malabsorptive procedures.

What are special considerations, including candidacy? As noted, Mr. Z expressed concern about the permanence and invasiveness of most bariatric procedures, and therefore wants to undergo a reversible procedure; LAGB can be a reasonable option for such a patient. Patients who want a reversible or minimally invasive procedure should also be made aware that endoscopic bariatric therapies and other devices are being developed to fill the treatment gap in the management of obesity.

What are the complications? Although LAGB is the least invasive procedure discussed here, it is associated with the highest rate of complications—most commonly, complications associated with the band itself (eg, nausea, vomiting, obstruction, band erosion or migration, esophageal dysmotility leading to acid reflux) and failure to lose weight.⁷ LAGB also requires more postoperative visits than other procedures, to optimize band tightness. A high number of bands are removed eventually because of complications or inadequate weight loss, or both.^13,24

Shared decision-making and dialogue are essential to overcome obstacles

Despite the known benefits of bariatric surgery, including greater reduction in the risk and severity of obesity-related comorbid conditions than seen with other interventions and a long-term reduction in overall mortality when compared with usual care, fewer than 1% of eligible patients undergo a weight-loss procedure.²⁵ Likely, this is due to:

• limited patient knowledge of the health benefits of surgery
• limited provider comfort recommending surgery
• inadequate insurance coverage, which might, in part, be due to a lack of prospective studies comparing various bariatric procedures.¹⁸

Continue to: Ultimately, the decision whether to undergo a bariatric procedure...

Ultimately, the decision whether to undergo a bariatric procedure, and which one(s) to consider, should be the product of a thorough conversation between patient and provider.

CORRESPONDENCE
Sarah R. Barenbaum, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, New York–Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, 530 East 70th Street, M-507, New York, NY 10021; srb9023@nyp.org

Patients with overweight and obesity are at increased risk of multiple morbidities, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes (T2D), osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and all-cause mortality.¹ Even modest weight loss—5% to 10%—can lead to a clinically relevant reduction in this risk of disease.^2,3 The American Academy of Family Physicians recognizes obesity as a disease, and recommends screening of all adults for obesity and referral for those with body mass index (BMI)* ≥30 to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions.^4,5

For some patients, diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications are sufficient; for the great majority, however, weight loss achieved by lifestyle modification is counteracted by metabolic adaptations that promote weight regain.⁶ For patients with obesity who are unable to achieve or maintain sufficient weight loss to improve health outcomes with lifestyle modification alone, options include pharmacotherapy, devices, endoscopic bariatric therapies, and bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective of these treatments, due to its association with significant and sustained weight loss, reduction in obesity-related comorbidities, and improved quality of life.^1,7 Furthermore, compared with usual care, bariatric surgery is associated with a reduced number of cardiovascular deaths, a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in adults with obesity, and a long-term reduction in overall mortality.^8-10

What are the options? Who is a candidate?

The 3 most common bariatric procedures in the United States are sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB).¹¹ SG and RYGB are performed more often than the LAGB, consequent to greater efficacy and fewer complications.¹² Weight loss is maximal at 1 to 2 years, and is estimated to be 15% of total body weight for LAGB; 25% for SG; and 35% for RYGB.^13,14

Weight loss is estimated to be 15% of total body weight for the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, 25% for sleeve gastrectomy, and 35% for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Not all patients are candidates for bariatric surgery. Contraindications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or respiratory dysfunction, poor cardiac reserve, nonadherence to medical treatment, and severe psychological disorders.¹⁵ Because some patients have difficulty maintaining weight loss following bariatric surgery and, on average, patients regain at least some weight, patients must understand that long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up are critical to the success of bariatric surgery.¹⁶

When should bariatric surgery be considered?

American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/The Obesity Society guidelines¹⁶ conceptualize 2 indications for bariatric surgery:

• adults with BMI ≥40
• adults with BMI ≥35 who have obesity-related comorbid conditions and are motivated to lose weight but have not responded to behavioral treatment, with or without pharmacotherapy, to achieve sufficient weight loss for target health goals.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines¹⁷ conceptualize 3 indications for bariatric surgery:

• adults with BMI ≥40
• adults with BMI ≥35 with 1 or more severe obesity-related complications
• adults with BMI 30-34.9 with diabetes or metabolic syndrome (evidence for this recommendation is limited).

Continue to: The 3 illustrative vignettes presented...

The 3 illustrative vignettes presented in this article offer examples of patients with obesity who could benefit from bariatric surgery. Each has been unable to achieve or maintain sufficient weight loss to improve health outcomes with nonsurgical interventions alone.

CASE 1

Sleep apnea persists despite weight loss

Robin W, a 50-year-old woman with class-II obesity (5’8”; 250 lb; BMI, 38 ), OSA requiring continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and iron-deficiency anemia secondary to menorrhagia, and taking an iron supplement, presents for weight management. She has lost 50 lb, reducing her BMI from 45.6 with behavioral modifications and pharmacotherapy, but she has been unsuccessful at achieving further weight loss despite a reduced-calorie diet and at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.

Long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up are critical to the success of bariatric surgery.

Ms. W is frustrated that she has reached a weight plateau; she is motivated to lose more weight. Her goal is to improve her weight-related comorbid conditions and reduce her medication requirement. Despite the initial weight loss, she continues to require CPAP therapy for OSA and remains on 3 medications for hypertension. She does not have cardiac or respiratory disease, psychiatric diagnoses, or a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Is bariatric surgery a reasonable option for Ms. W? If so, which procedure would you recommend?

Good option for Ms. W: Sleeve gastrectomy

It is reasonable to consider bariatric surgery—in particular, SG—for this patient with class-II obesity and multiple weight-related comorbid conditions because she has been unable to achieve further weight loss with more conservative measures.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? SG removes a large portion of the stomach along the greater curvature, reducing the organ to approximately 15% to 25% of its original size.¹⁸ The procedure leaves the pyloric valve intact and does not involve removal or bypass of the intestines.

How appealing and successful is it? The majority of patients who undergo SG experience significant weight loss; studies report approximately 25% total body weight loss after 1 to 2 years.¹⁴ Furthermore, most patients with T2D experience resolution of, or improvement in, disease markers.¹⁹ Because SG leaves the pylorus intact, there are fewer restrictions on what a patient can eat after surgery, compared with RYGB. With further weight loss, Ms. W may experience improvement in, or resolution of, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and OSA.

The SG procedure itself is simpler than some other bariatric procedures and presents less risk of malabsorption because the intestines are left intact. Patients who undergo SG report feeling less hungry because the fundus of the stomach, which secretes ghrelin (the so-called hunger hormone), is removed.^18,20

What are special considerations, including candidacy? Patients with GERD are not ideal candidates for this procedure because exacerbation of the disease is a potential associated adverse event. SG is a reasonable surgical option for Ms. W because the procedure is less likely to exacerbate her nutritional deficiency (iron-deficiency anemia), compared to RYGB, and she does not have a history of GERD.

What are the complications? Complications of SG occur at a lower rate than they do with RYGB, which is associated with a greater risk of nutritional deficiency.¹⁸ Common early complications of SG include leaking, bleeding, stenosis, GERD, and vomiting due to excessive eating. Late complications include stomach expansion by 12 months, leading to decreased restriction.¹⁵ Unlike RYGB and LAGB, SG is not reversible.

Continue to: CASE 2

CASE 2

Severe obesity, polypharmacy for type 2 diabetes

Anne P, a 42-year-old woman with class-III obesity (5’6”; 290 lb; BMI, 46.8 kg/m²), presents to discuss bariatric surgery. Comorbidities include T2D, for which she takes metformin, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and a sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor; GERD; hypertension, for which she takes an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a calcium-channel blocker; hyperlipidemia, for which she takes a statin; and osteoarthritis.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is effective for weight loss because patients eat smaller portions and cannot absorb all they eat.

Ms. P lost 30 pounds—reducing her BMI from 51.6—when the sulfonylurea and thiazolidinedione she was taking were switched to the GLP-1 receptor agonist and the SGLT2 inhibitor. She also made behavioral modifications, including 30 minutes a day of physical activity and a reduced-calorie meal plan under the guidance of a dietitian.

However, Ms. P has been unable to lose more weight or reduce her hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level below 8%. Her goal is to avoid the need to take insulin (which several members of her family take), lower her HbA_1c level, and decrease her medication requirement.

Ms. P does not have cardiac or respiratory disease or psychiatric diagnoses. Which surgical intervention would you recommend for her?

Good option for Ms. P: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

RYGB is a reasonable option for a patient with class-III obesity and multiple comorbidities, including poorly controlled T2D and GERD, who has failed conservative measures but wants to lose more weight, reduce her HbA_1c, reduce her medication requirement, and avoid the need for insulin.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? RYGB constructs a small pouch from the proximal portion of the stomach and attaches it directly to the jejunum, thus bypassing part of the stomach and duodenum. The procedure is effective for weight loss because it is both restrictive and malabsorptive: patients not only eat smaller portions, but cannot absorb all they eat. Other mechanisms attributed to RYGB that are hypothesized to promote weight loss include²¹:

• alteration of endogenous gut hormones, which promotes postprandial satiety
• increased levels of bile acids, which promotes alteration of the gut microbiome
• intestinal hypertrophy.

How successful is it? RYGB is associated with significant total body weight loss of approximately 35% at 2 years.⁹ The procedure has been shown to produce superior outcomes in reducing comorbid disease compared to other bariatric procedures or medical therapy alone. Of the procedures discussed in this article, RYGB is associated with the greatest reduction in triglycerides, HbA_1c, and use of diabetes medications, including insulin.²²

What are special considerations, including candidacy? For patients with mild or moderate T2D (calculated using the Individualized Metabolic Surgery Score [http://riskcalc.org/Metabolic_Surgery_Score/], which categorizes patients by number of diabetes medications, insulin use, duration of diabetes before surgery, and HbA_1c), RYGB is recommended over SG because it leads to greater long-term remission of T2D.

RYGB is associated with a lower rate of GERD than SG and can even alleviate GERD in patients who have the disease. Furthermore, for patients with limited pancreatic beta cell reserve, RYBG and SG have similarly low efficacy for T2D remission; SG is therefore recommended over RYGB in this specific circumstance, given its slightly lower risk profile.²³

What are the complications? Patients who undergo any bariatric surgical procedure require long-term follow-up and vitamin supplementation, but those who undergo RYGB require stricter dietary adherence after the procedure; lifelong vitamin (D, B₁₂, folic acid, and thiamine), iron, and calcium supplementation; and long-term follow-up to reduce the risk and severity of complications and to monitor for nutritional deficiencies.⁷ As such, patients who have shown poor adherence to medical treatment are not good candidates for the procedure.

Continue to: Early complications include...

Early complications include leak, stricture, obstruction, and failure of the staple partition of the upper stomach. Late complications include nutritional deficiencies, as noted, and ulceration of the anastomosis. Dumping syndrome (overly rapid transit of food from the stomach into the small intestine) can develop early or late; early dumping leads to osmotic diarrhea and abdominal cramping, and late dumping leads to reactive hypoglycemia.¹⁵

Most patients with T2D who undergo sleeve gastrectomy see resolution of, or improvement in, markers of diabetes.

Technically, RYGB is a reversible procedure, although generally it is reversed only in extreme circumstances.

CASE 3

Fatty liver disease, hesitation to undergo surgery

Walt Z, a 35 year-old-man with class-II obesity (5’10”; 265 lb; BMI, 38 kg/m²), T2D, and hepatic steatosis, presents for weight management. He has been able to lose modest weight over the years with behavioral modifications, but has been unsuccessful in maintaining that loss. He requests referral to a bariatric surgeon but is concerned about the permanence and invasiveness of most bariatric procedures.

Which surgical intervention would you recommend for this patient?

Good option for Mr. Z: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band

Given that Mr. Z is a candidate for a surgical intervention but does not want a permanent or invasive procedure, LAGB is a reasonable option.

Continue to: How does the procedure work?

How does the procedure work? LAGB is a reversible procedure in which an inflatable band is placed around the fundus of the stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to regulate food intake by adding or removing saline through a subcutaneous access port.

How appealing and successful is it? LAGB results in approximately 15% total body weight loss at 2 years.¹³ Because the procedure is purely restrictive, it carries a reduced risk of nutritional deficiency associated more commonly with malabsorptive procedures.

What are special considerations, including candidacy? As noted, Mr. Z expressed concern about the permanence and invasiveness of most bariatric procedures, and therefore wants to undergo a reversible procedure; LAGB can be a reasonable option for such a patient. Patients who want a reversible or minimally invasive procedure should also be made aware that endoscopic bariatric therapies and other devices are being developed to fill the treatment gap in the management of obesity.

What are the complications? Although LAGB is the least invasive procedure discussed here, it is associated with the highest rate of complications—most commonly, complications associated with the band itself (eg, nausea, vomiting, obstruction, band erosion or migration, esophageal dysmotility leading to acid reflux) and failure to lose weight.⁷ LAGB also requires more postoperative visits than other procedures, to optimize band tightness. A high number of bands are removed eventually because of complications or inadequate weight loss, or both.^13,24

Shared decision-making and dialogue are essential to overcome obstacles

Despite the known benefits of bariatric surgery, including greater reduction in the risk and severity of obesity-related comorbid conditions than seen with other interventions and a long-term reduction in overall mortality when compared with usual care, fewer than 1% of eligible patients undergo a weight-loss procedure.²⁵ Likely, this is due to:

• limited patient knowledge of the health benefits of surgery
• limited provider comfort recommending surgery
• inadequate insurance coverage, which might, in part, be due to a lack of prospective studies comparing various bariatric procedures.¹⁸

Continue to: Ultimately, the decision whether to undergo a bariatric procedure...

Ultimately, the decision whether to undergo a bariatric procedure, and which one(s) to consider, should be the product of a thorough conversation between patient and provider.

CORRESPONDENCE
Sarah R. Barenbaum, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, New York–Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, 530 East 70th Street, M-507, New York, NY 10021; srb9023@nyp.org

Modest weight loss of 5% to 10% among patients who are overweight or obese can result in a clinically relevant reduction in cardiovascular (CV) disease risk.¹ This amount of weight loss can increase insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, and have a positive impact on blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.^1,2

All patients who are obese or overweight with increased CV risk should be counseled on diet, exercise, and other behavioral interventions.³ Weight loss secondary to lifestyle modification alone, however, leads to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure.^4–6

Pharmacotherapy can counteract this metabolic adaptation and lead to sustained weight loss. Antiobesity medication can be considered if a patient has a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.^3,7

Until recently, there were few pharmacologic options approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of obesity. The mainstays of treatment were phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin, Suprenza) and orlistat (Alli, Xenical). Since 2012, however, 4 agents have been approved as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management.^8,9 Phentermine/topiramate extended-release (ER) (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq) were approved in 2012,^10,11 and naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR (Contrave) and liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) were approved in 2014^12,13 (TABLE^9,14–39). These medications have the potential to not only limit weight gain but also promote weight loss and, thus, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin.⁴⁰

Despite the growing obesity epidemic and the availability of several additional medications for chronic weight management, use of antiobesity pharmacotherapy has been limited. Barriers to use include inadequate training of health care professionals, poor insurance coverage for new agents, and low reimbursement for office visits to address weight.⁴¹

In addition, the number of obesity medicine specialists, while increasing, is still not sufficient. Therefore, it is imperative for other health care professionals—including ObGyns—to be aware of the treatment options available to patients who are overweight or obese and to be adept at using them.

In this review, we present 4 cases that depict patients who could benefit from the addition of antiobesity pharmacotherapy to a comprehen‑sive treatment plan that includes diet, physical activity, and behavioral modification.

CASE 1 Young obese woman is unable to lose weight

A 27-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 33 kg/m²),hyperlipidemia, and migraine headaches, pre‑sents for weight management. Despite a calorie-reduced diet and 200 minutes per week of exercise for the past 6 months, she has been unable to lose weight. The only medications she is taking are oral contraceptive pills and sumatriptan, as needed. She suffers from migraines 3 times a month and has no anxiety. Laboratory test results are normal with the exception of an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Ask 2 important questions

When considering an antiobesity agent for any patient, there are 2 important questions to ask:

• Are there contraindications, drug-drug interactions, or undesirable adverse effects associated with this medication that could be problematic for the patient?
• Can this medication improve other symptoms or conditions the patient has?

In addition, see “Before prescribing antiobesity medication . . .” below.

Phentermine/topiramate ER

Phentermine/topiramate ER is a good first choice for this young patient with class I (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m²) obesity and migraines, as she can likely tolerate a stimulant and her migraines might improve with topiramate. Before starting the medication, ask about insomnia and nephrolithiasis in addition to anxiety and other contraindications (ie, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, recent monoamine oxidase inhibitor use, or a known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines).²³ The most common adverse events reported in phase III trials were dry mouth, paresthesia, and constipation.^24–26

Not for pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting phentermine/topiramate ER and every month while taking the medication. The FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to inform prescribers and patients about the increased risk of congenital malformation, specifically orofacial clefts, in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.⁴² REMS focuses on the importance of pregnancy prevention, the consistent use of birth control, and the need to discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Flexible dosing. Phentermine/topiramate ER is available in 4 dosages: phentermine 3.75 mg/topiramate 23 mg ER; phentermine 7.5 mg/topiramate 46 mg ER; phentermine 11.25 mg/topiramate 69 mg ER; and phentermine 15 mg/topiramate 92 mg ER. Gradual dose escalation minimizes risks and adverse events.²³

Monitor patients frequently to evaluate for adverse effects and ensure adherence to diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. If weight loss is slower or less robust than expected, check for dietary indiscretion, as medications have limited efficacy without appropriate behavioral changes.

Discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maximum dose, as it is unlikely that she will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.²³ In this case, consider another agent with a different mechanism of action. Any of the other antiobesity medications could be appropriate for this patient.

CASE 2 Overweight woman with comorbidities

A 52-year-old overweight woman (BMI 29 kg/m²)with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma has recently hit a plateau with her weight loss. She lost 45 lb secondary to diet and exercise, but hasn’t been able to lose any more. She also struggles with constant hunger. Her medications include metformin 1,000 mg twice per day, atorvastatin 10 mg/d, and occasional acetaminophen/oxycodone for knee pain until she undergoes a left knee replacement. Laboratory values are normal except for a hemoglobin A_1c of 7.2%.

The patient is afraid of needles and cannot tolerate stimulants due to anxiety. Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

What are good choices for this patient?

Lorcaserin is a good choice for this patient who is overweight and has several weight-related comorbidities. She has worked hard to lose a significant number of pounds and is now at high risk of regaining them. That’s because her appetite has increased with her new exercise regimen, but her energy expenditure has decreased secondary to metabolic adaptation.

Narrowing the field. Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR cannot be used because of her opioid use. Phentermine/topiramate ER is contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, and liraglutide 3 mg is not appropriate given the patient’s fear of needles.

She could try orlistat, especially if she struggles with constipation, but the gastrointestinal adverse effects are difficult for many patients to tolerate. While not an antiobesity medication, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor could be prescribed for her diabetes and also may promote weight loss.⁴³

An appealing choice. The glucose-lowering effect of lorcaserin could provide an added benefit for the patient. The BLOOMDM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management in diabetes mellitus) study reported a mean reduction in hemoglobin A_1c of 0.9% in the treatment group compared with a 0.4% reduction in the placebo group,³⁰ and the effect of lorcaserin on A_1c appeared to be independent of weight loss.

Mechanism of action: Cause for concern? Although lorcaserin selectively binds to serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, the theoretical risk of cardiac valvulopathy was evaluated in phase III studies, as fenfluramine, a 5-HT2B-receptor agonist, was withdrawn from the US market in 1997 for this reason.⁴⁴ Both the BLOOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management) and BLOSSOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin second study for obesity management) studies found that lorcaserin did not increase the incidence of FDA-defined cardiac valvulopathy.^28,29

Formulations/adverse effects. Lorcaserin is available in 2 formulations: 10-mg tablets, which are taken twice daily, or 20-mg XR tablets, which are taken once daily. Both are generally well tolerated.^27,45 The most common adverse event reported in phase III trials was headache.^28,30,43 Discontinue lorcaserin if the patient does not lose 5% of her initial weight after 12 weeks, as weight loss at this stage is a good predictor of longer-term success.⁴⁶

Some patients don’t respond. Interestingly, a subset of patients do not respond to lorcaserin. The most likely explanation for different responses to the medication is that there are many causes of obesity, only some of which respond to 5-HT2C agonism. Currently, we do not perform pharmacogenomics testing before prescribing lorcaserin, but perhaps an inexpensive test to identify responders will be available in the future.

CASE 3 A preoccupation with food

A 38-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 42 kg/m²),obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and depression is eager to get better control over her weight. Her medications include lansoprazole 30 mg/d and a multivitamin. She reports constantly thinking about food and not being able to control her impulses to buy large quantities of unhealthy snacks. She is so preoccupied by thoughts of food that she has difficulty concentrating at work.

The patient smokes a quarter of a pack of cigarettes daily, but she is ready to quit. She views bariatric surgery as a “last resort” and has no anxiety, pain, or history of seizures. Which medication is appropriate for this patient?

Discuss all options

This patient with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) is eligible for bariatric surgery; however, she is not interested in pursuing it at this time. It is important to discuss all of her options before deciding on a treatment plan. For patients like this, who would benefit from more than modest weight loss, consider a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, devices (eg, an intragastric balloon), and/or surgery. You would need to make clear to the patient that she may still be eligible for insurance coverage for surgery if she changes her mind after pursuing other treatments as long as her BMI remains ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for this patient because she describes debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food. Patients taking naltrexone SR/bupropion SR in the Contrave Obesity Research (COR)-I and COR-II phase III trials experienced a reduced frequency of food cravings, reduced difficulty in resisting food cravings, and an increased ability to control eating compared with those assigned to placebo.^32,33

Added benefits. Bupropion also could help this patient quit smoking and improve her mood, as it is FDA-approved for smoking cessation and depression. She denies anxiety and seizures, so bupropion is not contraindicated. Even if a patient denies a history of seizure, ask about any conditions that predispose to seizures, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.

Opioid use. Although the patient denies pain, ask about potential opioid use, as naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Patients should be informed that opioids may be ineffective if they are required unexpectedly (eg, for trauma) and that naltrexone SR/bupropion SR should be withheld for any planned surgical procedure potentially requiring opioid use.

Other options. While naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is the most appropriate choice for this patient because it addresses her problematic eating behaviors while potentially improving mood and assisting with smoking cessation, phentermine/topiramate ER, lorcaserin, and liraglutide 3 mg also could be used and certainly should be tried if naltrexone SR/bupropion SR does not produce the desired weight loss.

Adverse effects. Titrate naltrexone SR/bupropion SR slowly to the treatment dose to minimize risks and adverse events.³¹ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, constipation, and headache.^34,35,45,46 Discontinue naltrexone SR/bupropion SR if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss at 16 weeks (after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose).³¹

CASE 4 Regaining weight after gastric bypass

A 65-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 39 kg/m²)who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and who has type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, remains concerned about her weight. She lost 100 lb following surgery and maintained her weight for 3 years, but then regained 30 lb. She comes in for an office visit because she is concerned about her increasing blood sugar and wants to prevent further weight gain. Her medications include metformin 1,000 mg twice per day, lisinopril 5 mg/d, carvedilol 12.5 mg twice per day, simvastatin 20 mg/d, and aspirin 81 mg/d. Laboratory test results are normal except for a hemoglobin A_1c of 8%. She denies pancreatitis and a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Pharmacotherapy is an option

Pharmacotherapy is a great option for this patient, who is regaining weight following bariatric surgery. Phentermine/topiramate ER is the only medication that would be contraindicated because of her heart disease. Lorcaserin and naltrexone SR/bupropion SR could be considered, but liraglutide 3 mg is the most appropriate option, given her need for further glucose control.

Furthermore, the recent LEADER (Liraglutide effect and action in diabetes: evaluation of CV outcome results) trial reported a significant mortality benefit with liraglutide 1.8 mg/d among patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.⁴⁷ The study found that liraglutide was superior to placebo in reducing CV events.

Contraindications. Ask patients about a history of pancreatitis before starting liraglutide 3 mg, given the possible increased risk. In addition, liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Thyroid C-cell tumors have been found in rodents given supratherapeutic doses of liraglutide⁴⁸; however, there is no evidence of liraglutide causing C-cell tumors in humans.

For patients taking a medication that can cause hypoglycemia, such as insulin or a sulfonylurea, monitor blood sugar and consider reducing the dose of that medication when starting liraglutide.

Administration and titration. Liraglutide is injected subcutaneously once daily. The dose is titrated up weekly to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.³⁶ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.^37–39Discontinue liraglutide 3 mg if the patient does not lose at least 4% of baseline body weight after 16 weeks.⁴⁹

Share your thoughts! Send your Letter to the Editor to rbarbieri@mdedge.com. Please include your name and the city and state in which you practice.

Modest weight loss of 5% to 10% among patients who are overweight or obese can result in a clinically relevant reduction in cardiovascular (CV) disease risk.¹ This amount of weight loss can increase insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, and have a positive impact on blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.^1,2

All patients who are obese or overweight with increased CV risk should be counseled on diet, exercise, and other behavioral interventions.³ Weight loss secondary to lifestyle modification alone, however, leads to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure.^4–6

Pharmacotherapy can counteract this metabolic adaptation and lead to sustained weight loss. Antiobesity medication can be considered if a patient has a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.^3,7

Until recently, there were few pharmacologic options approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of obesity. The mainstays of treatment were phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin, Suprenza) and orlistat (Alli, Xenical). Since 2012, however, 4 agents have been approved as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management.^8,9 Phentermine/topiramate extended-release (ER) (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq) were approved in 2012,^10,11 and naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR (Contrave) and liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) were approved in 2014^12,13 (TABLE^9,14–39). These medications have the potential to not only limit weight gain but also promote weight loss and, thus, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin.⁴⁰

Despite the growing obesity epidemic and the availability of several additional medications for chronic weight management, use of antiobesity pharmacotherapy has been limited. Barriers to use include inadequate training of health care professionals, poor insurance coverage for new agents, and low reimbursement for office visits to address weight.⁴¹

In addition, the number of obesity medicine specialists, while increasing, is still not sufficient. Therefore, it is imperative for other health care professionals—including ObGyns—to be aware of the treatment options available to patients who are overweight or obese and to be adept at using them.

In this review, we present 4 cases that depict patients who could benefit from the addition of antiobesity pharmacotherapy to a comprehen‑sive treatment plan that includes diet, physical activity, and behavioral modification.

CASE 1 Young obese woman is unable to lose weight

A 27-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 33 kg/m²),hyperlipidemia, and migraine headaches, pre‑sents for weight management. Despite a calorie-reduced diet and 200 minutes per week of exercise for the past 6 months, she has been unable to lose weight. The only medications she is taking are oral contraceptive pills and sumatriptan, as needed. She suffers from migraines 3 times a month and has no anxiety. Laboratory test results are normal with the exception of an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Ask 2 important questions

When considering an antiobesity agent for any patient, there are 2 important questions to ask:

• Are there contraindications, drug-drug interactions, or undesirable adverse effects associated with this medication that could be problematic for the patient?
• Can this medication improve other symptoms or conditions the patient has?

In addition, see “Before prescribing antiobesity medication . . .” below.

Phentermine/topiramate ER

Phentermine/topiramate ER is a good first choice for this young patient with class I (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m²) obesity and migraines, as she can likely tolerate a stimulant and her migraines might improve with topiramate. Before starting the medication, ask about insomnia and nephrolithiasis in addition to anxiety and other contraindications (ie, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, recent monoamine oxidase inhibitor use, or a known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines).²³ The most common adverse events reported in phase III trials were dry mouth, paresthesia, and constipation.^24–26

Not for pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting phentermine/topiramate ER and every month while taking the medication. The FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to inform prescribers and patients about the increased risk of congenital malformation, specifically orofacial clefts, in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.⁴² REMS focuses on the importance of pregnancy prevention, the consistent use of birth control, and the need to discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Flexible dosing. Phentermine/topiramate ER is available in 4 dosages: phentermine 3.75 mg/topiramate 23 mg ER; phentermine 7.5 mg/topiramate 46 mg ER; phentermine 11.25 mg/topiramate 69 mg ER; and phentermine 15 mg/topiramate 92 mg ER. Gradual dose escalation minimizes risks and adverse events.²³

Monitor patients frequently to evaluate for adverse effects and ensure adherence to diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. If weight loss is slower or less robust than expected, check for dietary indiscretion, as medications have limited efficacy without appropriate behavioral changes.

Discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maximum dose, as it is unlikely that she will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.²³ In this case, consider another agent with a different mechanism of action. Any of the other antiobesity medications could be appropriate for this patient.

CASE 2 Overweight woman with comorbidities

A 52-year-old overweight woman (BMI 29 kg/m²)with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma has recently hit a plateau with her weight loss. She lost 45 lb secondary to diet and exercise, but hasn’t been able to lose any more. She also struggles with constant hunger. Her medications include metformin 1,000 mg twice per day, atorvastatin 10 mg/d, and occasional acetaminophen/oxycodone for knee pain until she undergoes a left knee replacement. Laboratory values are normal except for a hemoglobin A_1c of 7.2%.

The patient is afraid of needles and cannot tolerate stimulants due to anxiety. Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

What are good choices for this patient?

Lorcaserin is a good choice for this patient who is overweight and has several weight-related comorbidities. She has worked hard to lose a significant number of pounds and is now at high risk of regaining them. That’s because her appetite has increased with her new exercise regimen, but her energy expenditure has decreased secondary to metabolic adaptation.

Narrowing the field. Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR cannot be used because of her opioid use. Phentermine/topiramate ER is contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, and liraglutide 3 mg is not appropriate given the patient’s fear of needles.

She could try orlistat, especially if she struggles with constipation, but the gastrointestinal adverse effects are difficult for many patients to tolerate. While not an antiobesity medication, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor could be prescribed for her diabetes and also may promote weight loss.⁴³

An appealing choice. The glucose-lowering effect of lorcaserin could provide an added benefit for the patient. The BLOOMDM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management in diabetes mellitus) study reported a mean reduction in hemoglobin A_1c of 0.9% in the treatment group compared with a 0.4% reduction in the placebo group,³⁰ and the effect of lorcaserin on A_1c appeared to be independent of weight loss.

Mechanism of action: Cause for concern? Although lorcaserin selectively binds to serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, the theoretical risk of cardiac valvulopathy was evaluated in phase III studies, as fenfluramine, a 5-HT2B-receptor agonist, was withdrawn from the US market in 1997 for this reason.⁴⁴ Both the BLOOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management) and BLOSSOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin second study for obesity management) studies found that lorcaserin did not increase the incidence of FDA-defined cardiac valvulopathy.^28,29

Formulations/adverse effects. Lorcaserin is available in 2 formulations: 10-mg tablets, which are taken twice daily, or 20-mg XR tablets, which are taken once daily. Both are generally well tolerated.^27,45 The most common adverse event reported in phase III trials was headache.^28,30,43 Discontinue lorcaserin if the patient does not lose 5% of her initial weight after 12 weeks, as weight loss at this stage is a good predictor of longer-term success.⁴⁶

Some patients don’t respond. Interestingly, a subset of patients do not respond to lorcaserin. The most likely explanation for different responses to the medication is that there are many causes of obesity, only some of which respond to 5-HT2C agonism. Currently, we do not perform pharmacogenomics testing before prescribing lorcaserin, but perhaps an inexpensive test to identify responders will be available in the future.

CASE 3 A preoccupation with food

A 38-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 42 kg/m²),obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and depression is eager to get better control over her weight. Her medications include lansoprazole 30 mg/d and a multivitamin. She reports constantly thinking about food and not being able to control her impulses to buy large quantities of unhealthy snacks. She is so preoccupied by thoughts of food that she has difficulty concentrating at work.

The patient smokes a quarter of a pack of cigarettes daily, but she is ready to quit. She views bariatric surgery as a “last resort” and has no anxiety, pain, or history of seizures. Which medication is appropriate for this patient?

Discuss all options

This patient with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) is eligible for bariatric surgery; however, she is not interested in pursuing it at this time. It is important to discuss all of her options before deciding on a treatment plan. For patients like this, who would benefit from more than modest weight loss, consider a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, devices (eg, an intragastric balloon), and/or surgery. You would need to make clear to the patient that she may still be eligible for insurance coverage for surgery if she changes her mind after pursuing other treatments as long as her BMI remains ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for this patient because she describes debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food. Patients taking naltrexone SR/bupropion SR in the Contrave Obesity Research (COR)-I and COR-II phase III trials experienced a reduced frequency of food cravings, reduced difficulty in resisting food cravings, and an increased ability to control eating compared with those assigned to placebo.^32,33

Added benefits. Bupropion also could help this patient quit smoking and improve her mood, as it is FDA-approved for smoking cessation and depression. She denies anxiety and seizures, so bupropion is not contraindicated. Even if a patient denies a history of seizure, ask about any conditions that predispose to seizures, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.

Opioid use. Although the patient denies pain, ask about potential opioid use, as naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Patients should be informed that opioids may be ineffective if they are required unexpectedly (eg, for trauma) and that naltrexone SR/bupropion SR should be withheld for any planned surgical procedure potentially requiring opioid use.

Other options. While naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is the most appropriate choice for this patient because it addresses her problematic eating behaviors while potentially improving mood and assisting with smoking cessation, phentermine/topiramate ER, lorcaserin, and liraglutide 3 mg also could be used and certainly should be tried if naltrexone SR/bupropion SR does not produce the desired weight loss.

Adverse effects. Titrate naltrexone SR/bupropion SR slowly to the treatment dose to minimize risks and adverse events.³¹ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, constipation, and headache.^34,35,45,46 Discontinue naltrexone SR/bupropion SR if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss at 16 weeks (after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose).³¹

CASE 4 Regaining weight after gastric bypass

A 65-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 39 kg/m²)who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and who has type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, remains concerned about her weight. She lost 100 lb following surgery and maintained her weight for 3 years, but then regained 30 lb. She comes in for an office visit because she is concerned about her increasing blood sugar and wants to prevent further weight gain. Her medications include metformin 1,000 mg twice per day, lisinopril 5 mg/d, carvedilol 12.5 mg twice per day, simvastatin 20 mg/d, and aspirin 81 mg/d. Laboratory test results are normal except for a hemoglobin A_1c of 8%. She denies pancreatitis and a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Pharmacotherapy is an option

Pharmacotherapy is a great option for this patient, who is regaining weight following bariatric surgery. Phentermine/topiramate ER is the only medication that would be contraindicated because of her heart disease. Lorcaserin and naltrexone SR/bupropion SR could be considered, but liraglutide 3 mg is the most appropriate option, given her need for further glucose control.

Furthermore, the recent LEADER (Liraglutide effect and action in diabetes: evaluation of CV outcome results) trial reported a significant mortality benefit with liraglutide 1.8 mg/d among patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.⁴⁷ The study found that liraglutide was superior to placebo in reducing CV events.

Contraindications. Ask patients about a history of pancreatitis before starting liraglutide 3 mg, given the possible increased risk. In addition, liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Thyroid C-cell tumors have been found in rodents given supratherapeutic doses of liraglutide⁴⁸; however, there is no evidence of liraglutide causing C-cell tumors in humans.

For patients taking a medication that can cause hypoglycemia, such as insulin or a sulfonylurea, monitor blood sugar and consider reducing the dose of that medication when starting liraglutide.

Administration and titration. Liraglutide is injected subcutaneously once daily. The dose is titrated up weekly to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.³⁶ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.^37–39Discontinue liraglutide 3 mg if the patient does not lose at least 4% of baseline body weight after 16 weeks.⁴⁹

Share your thoughts! Send your Letter to the Editor to rbarbieri@mdedge.com. Please include your name and the city and state in which you practice.

Modest weight loss of 5% to 10% among patients who are overweight or obese can result in a clinically relevant reduction in cardiovascular (CV) disease risk.¹ This amount of weight loss can increase insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, and have a positive impact on blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.^1,2

All patients who are obese or overweight with increased CV risk should be counseled on diet, exercise, and other behavioral interventions.³ Weight loss secondary to lifestyle modification alone, however, leads to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure.^4–6

Pharmacotherapy can counteract this metabolic adaptation and lead to sustained weight loss. Antiobesity medication can be considered if a patient has a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.^3,7

Until recently, there were few pharmacologic options approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of obesity. The mainstays of treatment were phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin, Suprenza) and orlistat (Alli, Xenical). Since 2012, however, 4 agents have been approved as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management.^8,9 Phentermine/topiramate extended-release (ER) (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq) were approved in 2012,^10,11 and naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR (Contrave) and liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) were approved in 2014^12,13 (TABLE^9,14–39). These medications have the potential to not only limit weight gain but also promote weight loss and, thus, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin.⁴⁰

Despite the growing obesity epidemic and the availability of several additional medications for chronic weight management, use of antiobesity pharmacotherapy has been limited. Barriers to use include inadequate training of health care professionals, poor insurance coverage for new agents, and low reimbursement for office visits to address weight.⁴¹

In addition, the number of obesity medicine specialists, while increasing, is still not sufficient. Therefore, it is imperative for other health care professionals—including ObGyns—to be aware of the treatment options available to patients who are overweight or obese and to be adept at using them.

In this review, we present 4 cases that depict patients who could benefit from the addition of antiobesity pharmacotherapy to a comprehen‑sive treatment plan that includes diet, physical activity, and behavioral modification.

CASE 1 Young obese woman is unable to lose weight

A 27-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 33 kg/m²),hyperlipidemia, and migraine headaches, pre‑sents for weight management. Despite a calorie-reduced diet and 200 minutes per week of exercise for the past 6 months, she has been unable to lose weight. The only medications she is taking are oral contraceptive pills and sumatriptan, as needed. She suffers from migraines 3 times a month and has no anxiety. Laboratory test results are normal with the exception of an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Ask 2 important questions

When considering an antiobesity agent for any patient, there are 2 important questions to ask:

• Are there contraindications, drug-drug interactions, or undesirable adverse effects associated with this medication that could be problematic for the patient?
• Can this medication improve other symptoms or conditions the patient has?

In addition, see “Before prescribing antiobesity medication . . .” below.

Phentermine/topiramate ER

Phentermine/topiramate ER is a good first choice for this young patient with class I (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m²) obesity and migraines, as she can likely tolerate a stimulant and her migraines might improve with topiramate. Before starting the medication, ask about insomnia and nephrolithiasis in addition to anxiety and other contraindications (ie, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, recent monoamine oxidase inhibitor use, or a known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines).²³ The most common adverse events reported in phase III trials were dry mouth, paresthesia, and constipation.^24–26

Not for pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting phentermine/topiramate ER and every month while taking the medication. The FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to inform prescribers and patients about the increased risk of congenital malformation, specifically orofacial clefts, in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.⁴² REMS focuses on the importance of pregnancy prevention, the consistent use of birth control, and the need to discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Flexible dosing. Phentermine/topiramate ER is available in 4 dosages: phentermine 3.75 mg/topiramate 23 mg ER; phentermine 7.5 mg/topiramate 46 mg ER; phentermine 11.25 mg/topiramate 69 mg ER; and phentermine 15 mg/topiramate 92 mg ER. Gradual dose escalation minimizes risks and adverse events.²³

Monitor patients frequently to evaluate for adverse effects and ensure adherence to diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. If weight loss is slower or less robust than expected, check for dietary indiscretion, as medications have limited efficacy without appropriate behavioral changes.

Discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maximum dose, as it is unlikely that she will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.²³ In this case, consider another agent with a different mechanism of action. Any of the other antiobesity medications could be appropriate for this patient.

CASE 2 Overweight woman with comorbidities

A 52-year-old overweight woman (BMI 29 kg/m²)with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma has recently hit a plateau with her weight loss. She lost 45 lb secondary to diet and exercise, but hasn’t been able to lose any more. She also struggles with constant hunger. Her medications include metformin 1,000 mg twice per day, atorvastatin 10 mg/d, and occasional acetaminophen/oxycodone for knee pain until she undergoes a left knee replacement. Laboratory values are normal except for a hemoglobin A_1c of 7.2%.

The patient is afraid of needles and cannot tolerate stimulants due to anxiety. Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

What are good choices for this patient?

Lorcaserin is a good choice for this patient who is overweight and has several weight-related comorbidities. She has worked hard to lose a significant number of pounds and is now at high risk of regaining them. That’s because her appetite has increased with her new exercise regimen, but her energy expenditure has decreased secondary to metabolic adaptation.

Narrowing the field. Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR cannot be used because of her opioid use. Phentermine/topiramate ER is contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, and liraglutide 3 mg is not appropriate given the patient’s fear of needles.

She could try orlistat, especially if she struggles with constipation, but the gastrointestinal adverse effects are difficult for many patients to tolerate. While not an antiobesity medication, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor could be prescribed for her diabetes and also may promote weight loss.⁴³

An appealing choice. The glucose-lowering effect of lorcaserin could provide an added benefit for the patient. The BLOOMDM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management in diabetes mellitus) study reported a mean reduction in hemoglobin A_1c of 0.9% in the treatment group compared with a 0.4% reduction in the placebo group,³⁰ and the effect of lorcaserin on A_1c appeared to be independent of weight loss.

Mechanism of action: Cause for concern? Although lorcaserin selectively binds to serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, the theoretical risk of cardiac valvulopathy was evaluated in phase III studies, as fenfluramine, a 5-HT2B-receptor agonist, was withdrawn from the US market in 1997 for this reason.⁴⁴ Both the BLOOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management) and BLOSSOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin second study for obesity management) studies found that lorcaserin did not increase the incidence of FDA-defined cardiac valvulopathy.^28,29

Formulations/adverse effects. Lorcaserin is available in 2 formulations: 10-mg tablets, which are taken twice daily, or 20-mg XR tablets, which are taken once daily. Both are generally well tolerated.^27,45 The most common adverse event reported in phase III trials was headache.^28,30,43 Discontinue lorcaserin if the patient does not lose 5% of her initial weight after 12 weeks, as weight loss at this stage is a good predictor of longer-term success.⁴⁶

Some patients don’t respond. Interestingly, a subset of patients do not respond to lorcaserin. The most likely explanation for different responses to the medication is that there are many causes of obesity, only some of which respond to 5-HT2C agonism. Currently, we do not perform pharmacogenomics testing before prescribing lorcaserin, but perhaps an inexpensive test to identify responders will be available in the future.

CASE 3 A preoccupation with food

A 38-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 42 kg/m²),obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and depression is eager to get better control over her weight. Her medications include lansoprazole 30 mg/d and a multivitamin. She reports constantly thinking about food and not being able to control her impulses to buy large quantities of unhealthy snacks. She is so preoccupied by thoughts of food that she has difficulty concentrating at work.

The patient smokes a quarter of a pack of cigarettes daily, but she is ready to quit. She views bariatric surgery as a “last resort” and has no anxiety, pain, or history of seizures. Which medication is appropriate for this patient?

Discuss all options

This patient with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) is eligible for bariatric surgery; however, she is not interested in pursuing it at this time. It is important to discuss all of her options before deciding on a treatment plan. For patients like this, who would benefit from more than modest weight loss, consider a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, devices (eg, an intragastric balloon), and/or surgery. You would need to make clear to the patient that she may still be eligible for insurance coverage for surgery if she changes her mind after pursuing other treatments as long as her BMI remains ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for this patient because she describes debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food. Patients taking naltrexone SR/bupropion SR in the Contrave Obesity Research (COR)-I and COR-II phase III trials experienced a reduced frequency of food cravings, reduced difficulty in resisting food cravings, and an increased ability to control eating compared with those assigned to placebo.^32,33

Added benefits. Bupropion also could help this patient quit smoking and improve her mood, as it is FDA-approved for smoking cessation and depression. She denies anxiety and seizures, so bupropion is not contraindicated. Even if a patient denies a history of seizure, ask about any conditions that predispose to seizures, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.

Opioid use. Although the patient denies pain, ask about potential opioid use, as naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Patients should be informed that opioids may be ineffective if they are required unexpectedly (eg, for trauma) and that naltrexone SR/bupropion SR should be withheld for any planned surgical procedure potentially requiring opioid use.

Other options. While naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is the most appropriate choice for this patient because it addresses her problematic eating behaviors while potentially improving mood and assisting with smoking cessation, phentermine/topiramate ER, lorcaserin, and liraglutide 3 mg also could be used and certainly should be tried if naltrexone SR/bupropion SR does not produce the desired weight loss.

Adverse effects. Titrate naltrexone SR/bupropion SR slowly to the treatment dose to minimize risks and adverse events.³¹ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, constipation, and headache.^34,35,45,46 Discontinue naltrexone SR/bupropion SR if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss at 16 weeks (after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose).³¹

CASE 4 Regaining weight after gastric bypass

A 65-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 39 kg/m²)who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and who has type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, remains concerned about her weight. She lost 100 lb following surgery and maintained her weight for 3 years, but then regained 30 lb. She comes in for an office visit because she is concerned about her increasing blood sugar and wants to prevent further weight gain. Her medications include metformin 1,000 mg twice per day, lisinopril 5 mg/d, carvedilol 12.5 mg twice per day, simvastatin 20 mg/d, and aspirin 81 mg/d. Laboratory test results are normal except for a hemoglobin A_1c of 8%. She denies pancreatitis and a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Pharmacotherapy is an option

Pharmacotherapy is a great option for this patient, who is regaining weight following bariatric surgery. Phentermine/topiramate ER is the only medication that would be contraindicated because of her heart disease. Lorcaserin and naltrexone SR/bupropion SR could be considered, but liraglutide 3 mg is the most appropriate option, given her need for further glucose control.

Furthermore, the recent LEADER (Liraglutide effect and action in diabetes: evaluation of CV outcome results) trial reported a significant mortality benefit with liraglutide 1.8 mg/d among patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.⁴⁷ The study found that liraglutide was superior to placebo in reducing CV events.

Contraindications. Ask patients about a history of pancreatitis before starting liraglutide 3 mg, given the possible increased risk. In addition, liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Thyroid C-cell tumors have been found in rodents given supratherapeutic doses of liraglutide⁴⁸; however, there is no evidence of liraglutide causing C-cell tumors in humans.

For patients taking a medication that can cause hypoglycemia, such as insulin or a sulfonylurea, monitor blood sugar and consider reducing the dose of that medication when starting liraglutide.

Administration and titration. Liraglutide is injected subcutaneously once daily. The dose is titrated up weekly to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.³⁶ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.^37–39Discontinue liraglutide 3 mg if the patient does not lose at least 4% of baseline body weight after 16 weeks.⁴⁹

Share your thoughts! Send your Letter to the Editor to rbarbieri@mdedge.com. Please include your name and the city and state in which you practice.

Modest weight loss of 5% to 10% among patients who are overweight or obese can result in a clinically relevant reduction in cardiovascular (CV) disease risk.¹ This amount of weight loss can increase insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, and have a positive impact on blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.^1,2

All patients who are obese or overweight with increased CV risk should be counseled on diet, exercise, and other behavioral interventions.³ Weight loss secondary to lifestyle modification alone, however, leads to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure.^4-6

Pharmacotherapy can counteract this metabolic adaptation and lead to sustained weight loss. Antiobesity medication can be considered if a patient has a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.^3,7

Until recently, there were few pharmacologic options approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of obesity. The mainstays of treatment were phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin, Suprenza) and orlistat (Alli, Xenical). Since 2012, however, 4 agents have been approved as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management.^8,9 Phentermine/topiramate extended-release (ER) (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq) were approved in 2012,^10,11 and naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR (Contrave) and liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) were approved in 2014^12,13 (TABLE^9,14-39). These medications have the potential to not only limit weight gain, but also promote weight loss and, thus, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin.⁴⁰

Despite the growing obesity epidemic and the availability of several additional medications for chronic weight management, use of antiobesity pharmacotherapy has been limited. Barriers to use include inadequate training of health care professionals, poor insurance coverage for new agents, and low reimbursement for office visits to address weight.⁴¹

Weight loss secondary to lifestyle changes can lead to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure. Pharmacotherapy can counteract this.

In addition, the number of obesity medicine specialists, while increasing, is still not sufficient. Therefore, it is imperative for other health care professionals—namely family practitioners—to be aware of the treatment options available to patients who are overweight or obese and to be adept at using them.

In this review, we present 4 cases that depict patients who could benefit from the addition of antiobesity pharmacotherapy to a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, physical activity, and behavioral modification.

[polldaddy:9840472]

CASE 1 Melissa C, a 27-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 33 kg/m²), hyperlipidemia, and migraine headaches, presents for weight management. Despite a calorie-reduced diet and 200 minutes per week of exercise for the past 6 months, she has been unable to lose weight. The only medications she’s taking are oral contraceptive pills and sumatriptan, as needed. She suffers from migraines 3 times a month and has no anxiety. Laboratory test results are normal with the exception of an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for Ms. C?

Discussion

When considering an antiobesity agent for any patient, there are 2 important questions to ask:

• Are there contraindications, drug-drug interactions, or undesirable adverse effects associated with this medication that could be problematic for the patient?
• Can this medication improve other symptoms or conditions the patient has?

In addition, see “Before prescribing antiobesity medication . . .”

Phentermine/topiramate ER is a good first choice for this young patient with class I (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m²) obesity and migraines, as she can likely tolerate a stimulant and her migraines might improve with topiramate. Before starting the medication, ask about insomnia and nephrolithiasis in addition to anxiety and other contraindications (ie, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, recent monoamine oxidase inhibitor use, or a known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines).²³ The most common adverse events reported in phase III trials were dry mouth, paresthesia, and constipation.^24-26

Not for pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting phentermine/topiramate ER and every month while taking the medication. The FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to inform prescribers and patients about the increased risk of congenital malformation, specifically orofacial clefts, in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.⁴² REMS focuses on the importance of pregnancy prevention, the consistent use of birth control, and the need to discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Flexible dosing. Phentermine/topiramate ER is available in 4 dosages: phentermine 3.75 mg/topiramate 23 mg ER; phentermine 7.5 mg/topiramate 46 mg ER; phentermine 11.25 mg/topiramate 69 mg ER; and phentermine 15 mg/topiramate 92 mg ER. Gradual dose escalation minimizes risks and adverse events.²³

Monitor patients frequently to evaluate for adverse effects and ensure adherence to diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. If weight loss is slower or less robust than expected, check for dietary indiscretion, as medications have limited efficacy without appropriate behavioral changes.

Discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maximum dose, as it is unlikely that she will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.²³ In this case, consider another agent with a different mechanism of action. Any of the other antiobesity medications could be appropriate for this patient.
 

CASE 2 Norman S, a 52-year-old overweight man (BMI 29 kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma, has recently hit a plateau with his weight loss. He lost 45 pounds secondary to diet and exercise, but hasn’t been able to lose any more. He also struggles with constant hunger. His medications include metformin 1000 mg bid, atorvastatin 10 mg/d, and occasional acetaminophen/oxycodone for knee pain until he undergoes a left knee replacement. Labora­tory values are normal except for a hemoglobin A1c of 7.2%.

Mr. S is afraid of needles and cannot tolerate stimulants due to anxiety. Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Discussion

Lorcaserin is a good choice for this patient who is overweight and has several weight-related comorbidities. He has worked hard to lose a significant number of pounds, and is now at high risk of regaining them. That’s because his appetite has increased with his new exercise regimen, but his energy expenditure has decreased secondary to metabolic adaptation.

Narrowing the field. Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR cannot be used because of his opioid use. Phentermine/topiramate ER is contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, and liraglutide 3 mg is not appropriate given the patient’s fear of needles.

He could try orlistat, especially if he struggles with constipation, but the gastrointestinal adverse effects are difficult for many patients to tolerate. While not an antiobesity medication, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor could be prescribed for his diabetes and may also promote weight loss.⁴³

An appealing choice. The glucose-lowering effect of lorcaserin could provide an added benefit for the patient. The BLOOM-DM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management in diabetes mellitus) study reported a mean reduction in hemoglobin A1c of 0.9% in the treatment group compared with a 0.4% reduction in the placebo group,³⁰ and the effect of lorcaserin on A1c appeared to be independent of weight loss.

Mechanism of action: Cause for concern? Although lorcaserin selectively binds to serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, the theoretical risk of cardiac valvulopathy was evaluated in phase III studies, as fenfluramine, a 5-HT2B-receptor agonist, was withdrawn from the US market in 1997 for this reason.⁴⁴ Both the BLOOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management) and BLOSSOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin second study for obesity management) studies found that lorcaserin did not increase the incidence of FDA-defined cardiac valvulopathy.^28,29

Formulations/adverse effects. Lorcaserin is available in 2 formulations: 10-mg tablets, which are taken twice daily, or 20-mg XR tablets, which are taken once daily. Both are generally well tolerated.^27,45 The most common adverse event reported in phase III trials was headache.^28,30,43 Discontinue lorcaserin if the patient does not lose 5% of his initial weight after 12 weeks, as weight loss at this stage is a good predictor of longer-term success.⁴⁶

Some patients don’t respond. Interestingly, a subset of patients do not respond to lorcaserin. The most likely explanation for different responses to the medication is that there are many causes of obesity, only some of which respond to 5-HT2C agonism. Currently, we do not perform pharmacogenomic testing before prescribing lorcaserin, but perhaps an inexpensive test to identify responders will be available in the future.

CASE 3 Kathryn M, a 38-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 42 kg/m²), obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and depression, is eager to get better control over her weight. Her medications include lansoprazole 30 mg/d and a multivitamin. She reports constantly thinking about food and not being able to control her impulses to buy large quantities of unhealthy snacks. She is so preoccupied by thoughts of food that she has difficulty concentrating at work.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for patients who describe debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food.

Ms. M smokes a quarter of a pack of cigarettes daily, but she is ready to quit. She views bariatric surgery as a “last resort” and has no anxiety, pain, or history of seizures. Which medication is appropriate for this patient?

Discussion

This patient with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) is eligible for bariatric surgery; however, she is not interested in pursuing it at this time. It is important to discuss all of her options before deciding on a treatment plan. For patients like Ms. M, who would benefit from more than modest weight loss, consider a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, devices (eg, an intragastric balloon), and/or surgery. You would need to make clear to Ms. M that she may still be eligible for insurance coverage for surgery if she changes her mind after pursuing other treatments as long as her BMI remains ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for Ms. M because she describes debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food. Patients taking naltrexone SR/bupropion SR in the Contrave Obesity Research (COR)-I and COR-II phase III trials experienced a reduced frequency of food cravings, reduced difficulty in resisting food cravings, and an increased ability to control eating compared with those assigned to placebo.^32,33

Added benefits. Bupropion could also help Ms. M quit smoking and improve her mood, as it is FDA-approved for smoking cessation and depression. She denies anxiety and seizures, so bupropion is not contraindicated. Even if a patient denies a history of seizure, ask about any conditions that predispose to seizures, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.

Opioid use. Although the patient denies pain, ask about potential opioid use, as naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Patients should be informed that opioids may be ineffective if they are required unexpectedly (eg, for trauma) and that naltrexone SR/bupropion SR should be withheld for any planned surgical procedure potentially requiring opioid use.

Other options. While naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is the most appropriate choice for this patient because it addresses Ms. M’s problematic eating behaviors while potentially improving mood and assisting with smoking cessation, phentermine/topiramate ER, lorcaserin, and liraglutide 3 mg could also be used and should certainly be tried if naltrexone SR/bupropion SR does not produce the desired weight loss.

Adverse effects. Titrate naltrexone SR/bupropion SR slowly to the treatment dose to minimize risks and adverse events.³¹ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, constipation, and headache.^34,35,45,46 Discontinue naltrexone SR/bupropion SR if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss at 16 weeks (after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose).³¹

CASE 4 William P, a 65-year-old man with obesity (BMI 39 kg/m2) who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and who has type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, remains concerned about his weight. He lost 100 lbs following surgery and maintained his weight for 3 years, but then regained 30 lbs. He comes in for an office visit because he’s concerned about his increasing blood sugar and wants to prevent further weight gain. His medications include metformin 1000 mg bid, lisinopril 5 mg/d, carvedilol 12.5 mg bid, simvastatin 20 mg/d, and aspirin 81 mg/d. Laboratory test results are normal except for a hemoglobin A1c of 8%. He denies pancreatitis and a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for Mr. P?

Discussion

Pharmacotherapy is a great option for this patient, who is regaining weight following bariatric surgery. Phentermine/topiramate ER is the only medication that would be contraindicated because of his heart disease. Lorcaserin and naltrexone SR/bupropion SR could be considered, but liraglutide 3 mg is the most appropriate option, given his need for further glucose control.

Medication is a great option for patients who are regaining weight after bariatric surgery.

Furthermore, the recent LEADER (Liraglutide effect and action in diabetes: evaluation of CV outcome results) trial reported a significant mortality benefit with liraglutide 1.8 mg/d among patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.⁴⁷ The study found that liraglutide was superior to placebo in reducing CV events.

Contraindications. Ask patients about a history of pancreatitis before starting liraglutide 3 mg given the possible increased risk. In addition, liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Thyroid C-cell tumors have been found in rodents given supratherapeutic doses of liraglutide;⁴⁸ however, there is no evidence of liraglutide causing C-cell tumors in humans.

For patients taking a medication that can cause hypoglycemia, such as insulin or a sulfonylurea, monitor blood sugar and consider reducing the dose of that medication when starting liraglutide.

Administration and titration. Liraglutide is injected subcutaneously once daily. The dose is titrated up weekly to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.³⁶ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.^37-39 Discontinue liraglutide 3 mg if the patient does not lose at least 4% of baseline body weight after 16 weeks.⁴⁹

CORRESPONDENCE
Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065; kph2001@med.cornell.edu.

Modest weight loss of 5% to 10% among patients who are overweight or obese can result in a clinically relevant reduction in cardiovascular (CV) disease risk.¹ This amount of weight loss can increase insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, and have a positive impact on blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.^1,2

All patients who are obese or overweight with increased CV risk should be counseled on diet, exercise, and other behavioral interventions.³ Weight loss secondary to lifestyle modification alone, however, leads to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure.^4-6

Pharmacotherapy can counteract this metabolic adaptation and lead to sustained weight loss. Antiobesity medication can be considered if a patient has a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.^3,7

Until recently, there were few pharmacologic options approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of obesity. The mainstays of treatment were phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin, Suprenza) and orlistat (Alli, Xenical). Since 2012, however, 4 agents have been approved as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management.^8,9 Phentermine/topiramate extended-release (ER) (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq) were approved in 2012,^10,11 and naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR (Contrave) and liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) were approved in 2014^12,13 (TABLE^9,14-39). These medications have the potential to not only limit weight gain, but also promote weight loss and, thus, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin.⁴⁰

Despite the growing obesity epidemic and the availability of several additional medications for chronic weight management, use of antiobesity pharmacotherapy has been limited. Barriers to use include inadequate training of health care professionals, poor insurance coverage for new agents, and low reimbursement for office visits to address weight.⁴¹

Weight loss secondary to lifestyle changes can lead to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure. Pharmacotherapy can counteract this.

In addition, the number of obesity medicine specialists, while increasing, is still not sufficient. Therefore, it is imperative for other health care professionals—namely family practitioners—to be aware of the treatment options available to patients who are overweight or obese and to be adept at using them.

In this review, we present 4 cases that depict patients who could benefit from the addition of antiobesity pharmacotherapy to a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, physical activity, and behavioral modification.

[polldaddy:9840472]

CASE 1 Melissa C, a 27-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 33 kg/m²), hyperlipidemia, and migraine headaches, presents for weight management. Despite a calorie-reduced diet and 200 minutes per week of exercise for the past 6 months, she has been unable to lose weight. The only medications she’s taking are oral contraceptive pills and sumatriptan, as needed. She suffers from migraines 3 times a month and has no anxiety. Laboratory test results are normal with the exception of an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for Ms. C?

Discussion

When considering an antiobesity agent for any patient, there are 2 important questions to ask:

• Are there contraindications, drug-drug interactions, or undesirable adverse effects associated with this medication that could be problematic for the patient?
• Can this medication improve other symptoms or conditions the patient has?

In addition, see “Before prescribing antiobesity medication . . .”

Phentermine/topiramate ER is a good first choice for this young patient with class I (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m²) obesity and migraines, as she can likely tolerate a stimulant and her migraines might improve with topiramate. Before starting the medication, ask about insomnia and nephrolithiasis in addition to anxiety and other contraindications (ie, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, recent monoamine oxidase inhibitor use, or a known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines).²³ The most common adverse events reported in phase III trials were dry mouth, paresthesia, and constipation.^24-26

Not for pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting phentermine/topiramate ER and every month while taking the medication. The FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to inform prescribers and patients about the increased risk of congenital malformation, specifically orofacial clefts, in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.⁴² REMS focuses on the importance of pregnancy prevention, the consistent use of birth control, and the need to discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Flexible dosing. Phentermine/topiramate ER is available in 4 dosages: phentermine 3.75 mg/topiramate 23 mg ER; phentermine 7.5 mg/topiramate 46 mg ER; phentermine 11.25 mg/topiramate 69 mg ER; and phentermine 15 mg/topiramate 92 mg ER. Gradual dose escalation minimizes risks and adverse events.²³

Monitor patients frequently to evaluate for adverse effects and ensure adherence to diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. If weight loss is slower or less robust than expected, check for dietary indiscretion, as medications have limited efficacy without appropriate behavioral changes.

Discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maximum dose, as it is unlikely that she will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.²³ In this case, consider another agent with a different mechanism of action. Any of the other antiobesity medications could be appropriate for this patient.
 

CASE 2 Norman S, a 52-year-old overweight man (BMI 29 kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma, has recently hit a plateau with his weight loss. He lost 45 pounds secondary to diet and exercise, but hasn’t been able to lose any more. He also struggles with constant hunger. His medications include metformin 1000 mg bid, atorvastatin 10 mg/d, and occasional acetaminophen/oxycodone for knee pain until he undergoes a left knee replacement. Labora­tory values are normal except for a hemoglobin A1c of 7.2%.

Mr. S is afraid of needles and cannot tolerate stimulants due to anxiety. Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Discussion

Lorcaserin is a good choice for this patient who is overweight and has several weight-related comorbidities. He has worked hard to lose a significant number of pounds, and is now at high risk of regaining them. That’s because his appetite has increased with his new exercise regimen, but his energy expenditure has decreased secondary to metabolic adaptation.

Narrowing the field. Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR cannot be used because of his opioid use. Phentermine/topiramate ER is contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, and liraglutide 3 mg is not appropriate given the patient’s fear of needles.

He could try orlistat, especially if he struggles with constipation, but the gastrointestinal adverse effects are difficult for many patients to tolerate. While not an antiobesity medication, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor could be prescribed for his diabetes and may also promote weight loss.⁴³

An appealing choice. The glucose-lowering effect of lorcaserin could provide an added benefit for the patient. The BLOOM-DM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management in diabetes mellitus) study reported a mean reduction in hemoglobin A1c of 0.9% in the treatment group compared with a 0.4% reduction in the placebo group,³⁰ and the effect of lorcaserin on A1c appeared to be independent of weight loss.

Mechanism of action: Cause for concern? Although lorcaserin selectively binds to serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, the theoretical risk of cardiac valvulopathy was evaluated in phase III studies, as fenfluramine, a 5-HT2B-receptor agonist, was withdrawn from the US market in 1997 for this reason.⁴⁴ Both the BLOOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management) and BLOSSOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin second study for obesity management) studies found that lorcaserin did not increase the incidence of FDA-defined cardiac valvulopathy.^28,29

Formulations/adverse effects. Lorcaserin is available in 2 formulations: 10-mg tablets, which are taken twice daily, or 20-mg XR tablets, which are taken once daily. Both are generally well tolerated.^27,45 The most common adverse event reported in phase III trials was headache.^28,30,43 Discontinue lorcaserin if the patient does not lose 5% of his initial weight after 12 weeks, as weight loss at this stage is a good predictor of longer-term success.⁴⁶

Some patients don’t respond. Interestingly, a subset of patients do not respond to lorcaserin. The most likely explanation for different responses to the medication is that there are many causes of obesity, only some of which respond to 5-HT2C agonism. Currently, we do not perform pharmacogenomic testing before prescribing lorcaserin, but perhaps an inexpensive test to identify responders will be available in the future.

CASE 3 Kathryn M, a 38-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 42 kg/m²), obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and depression, is eager to get better control over her weight. Her medications include lansoprazole 30 mg/d and a multivitamin. She reports constantly thinking about food and not being able to control her impulses to buy large quantities of unhealthy snacks. She is so preoccupied by thoughts of food that she has difficulty concentrating at work.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for patients who describe debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food.

Ms. M smokes a quarter of a pack of cigarettes daily, but she is ready to quit. She views bariatric surgery as a “last resort” and has no anxiety, pain, or history of seizures. Which medication is appropriate for this patient?

Discussion

This patient with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) is eligible for bariatric surgery; however, she is not interested in pursuing it at this time. It is important to discuss all of her options before deciding on a treatment plan. For patients like Ms. M, who would benefit from more than modest weight loss, consider a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, devices (eg, an intragastric balloon), and/or surgery. You would need to make clear to Ms. M that she may still be eligible for insurance coverage for surgery if she changes her mind after pursuing other treatments as long as her BMI remains ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for Ms. M because she describes debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food. Patients taking naltrexone SR/bupropion SR in the Contrave Obesity Research (COR)-I and COR-II phase III trials experienced a reduced frequency of food cravings, reduced difficulty in resisting food cravings, and an increased ability to control eating compared with those assigned to placebo.^32,33

Added benefits. Bupropion could also help Ms. M quit smoking and improve her mood, as it is FDA-approved for smoking cessation and depression. She denies anxiety and seizures, so bupropion is not contraindicated. Even if a patient denies a history of seizure, ask about any conditions that predispose to seizures, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.

Opioid use. Although the patient denies pain, ask about potential opioid use, as naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Patients should be informed that opioids may be ineffective if they are required unexpectedly (eg, for trauma) and that naltrexone SR/bupropion SR should be withheld for any planned surgical procedure potentially requiring opioid use.

Other options. While naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is the most appropriate choice for this patient because it addresses Ms. M’s problematic eating behaviors while potentially improving mood and assisting with smoking cessation, phentermine/topiramate ER, lorcaserin, and liraglutide 3 mg could also be used and should certainly be tried if naltrexone SR/bupropion SR does not produce the desired weight loss.

Adverse effects. Titrate naltrexone SR/bupropion SR slowly to the treatment dose to minimize risks and adverse events.³¹ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, constipation, and headache.^34,35,45,46 Discontinue naltrexone SR/bupropion SR if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss at 16 weeks (after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose).³¹

CASE 4 William P, a 65-year-old man with obesity (BMI 39 kg/m2) who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and who has type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, remains concerned about his weight. He lost 100 lbs following surgery and maintained his weight for 3 years, but then regained 30 lbs. He comes in for an office visit because he’s concerned about his increasing blood sugar and wants to prevent further weight gain. His medications include metformin 1000 mg bid, lisinopril 5 mg/d, carvedilol 12.5 mg bid, simvastatin 20 mg/d, and aspirin 81 mg/d. Laboratory test results are normal except for a hemoglobin A1c of 8%. He denies pancreatitis and a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for Mr. P?

Discussion

Pharmacotherapy is a great option for this patient, who is regaining weight following bariatric surgery. Phentermine/topiramate ER is the only medication that would be contraindicated because of his heart disease. Lorcaserin and naltrexone SR/bupropion SR could be considered, but liraglutide 3 mg is the most appropriate option, given his need for further glucose control.

Medication is a great option for patients who are regaining weight after bariatric surgery.

Furthermore, the recent LEADER (Liraglutide effect and action in diabetes: evaluation of CV outcome results) trial reported a significant mortality benefit with liraglutide 1.8 mg/d among patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.⁴⁷ The study found that liraglutide was superior to placebo in reducing CV events.

Contraindications. Ask patients about a history of pancreatitis before starting liraglutide 3 mg given the possible increased risk. In addition, liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Thyroid C-cell tumors have been found in rodents given supratherapeutic doses of liraglutide;⁴⁸ however, there is no evidence of liraglutide causing C-cell tumors in humans.

For patients taking a medication that can cause hypoglycemia, such as insulin or a sulfonylurea, monitor blood sugar and consider reducing the dose of that medication when starting liraglutide.

Administration and titration. Liraglutide is injected subcutaneously once daily. The dose is titrated up weekly to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.³⁶ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.^37-39 Discontinue liraglutide 3 mg if the patient does not lose at least 4% of baseline body weight after 16 weeks.⁴⁹

CORRESPONDENCE
Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065; kph2001@med.cornell.edu.

Modest weight loss of 5% to 10% among patients who are overweight or obese can result in a clinically relevant reduction in cardiovascular (CV) disease risk.¹ This amount of weight loss can increase insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, and have a positive impact on blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.^1,2

All patients who are obese or overweight with increased CV risk should be counseled on diet, exercise, and other behavioral interventions.³ Weight loss secondary to lifestyle modification alone, however, leads to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure.^4-6

Pharmacotherapy can counteract this metabolic adaptation and lead to sustained weight loss. Antiobesity medication can be considered if a patient has a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea.^3,7

Until recently, there were few pharmacologic options approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of obesity. The mainstays of treatment were phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin, Suprenza) and orlistat (Alli, Xenical). Since 2012, however, 4 agents have been approved as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for long-term weight management.^8,9 Phentermine/topiramate extended-release (ER) (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq) were approved in 2012,^10,11 and naltrexone sustained release (SR)/bupropion SR (Contrave) and liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda) were approved in 2014^12,13 (TABLE^9,14-39). These medications have the potential to not only limit weight gain, but also promote weight loss and, thus, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin.⁴⁰

Despite the growing obesity epidemic and the availability of several additional medications for chronic weight management, use of antiobesity pharmacotherapy has been limited. Barriers to use include inadequate training of health care professionals, poor insurance coverage for new agents, and low reimbursement for office visits to address weight.⁴¹

Weight loss secondary to lifestyle changes can lead to adaptive physiologic responses, which increase appetite and reduce energy expenditure. Pharmacotherapy can counteract this.

In addition, the number of obesity medicine specialists, while increasing, is still not sufficient. Therefore, it is imperative for other health care professionals—namely family practitioners—to be aware of the treatment options available to patients who are overweight or obese and to be adept at using them.

In this review, we present 4 cases that depict patients who could benefit from the addition of antiobesity pharmacotherapy to a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, physical activity, and behavioral modification.

[polldaddy:9840472]

CASE 1 Melissa C, a 27-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 33 kg/m²), hyperlipidemia, and migraine headaches, presents for weight management. Despite a calorie-reduced diet and 200 minutes per week of exercise for the past 6 months, she has been unable to lose weight. The only medications she’s taking are oral contraceptive pills and sumatriptan, as needed. She suffers from migraines 3 times a month and has no anxiety. Laboratory test results are normal with the exception of an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for Ms. C?

Discussion

When considering an antiobesity agent for any patient, there are 2 important questions to ask:

• Are there contraindications, drug-drug interactions, or undesirable adverse effects associated with this medication that could be problematic for the patient?
• Can this medication improve other symptoms or conditions the patient has?

In addition, see “Before prescribing antiobesity medication . . .”

Phentermine/topiramate ER is a good first choice for this young patient with class I (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m²) obesity and migraines, as she can likely tolerate a stimulant and her migraines might improve with topiramate. Before starting the medication, ask about insomnia and nephrolithiasis in addition to anxiety and other contraindications (ie, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, recent monoamine oxidase inhibitor use, or a known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines).²³ The most common adverse events reported in phase III trials were dry mouth, paresthesia, and constipation.^24-26

Not for pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting phentermine/topiramate ER and every month while taking the medication. The FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to inform prescribers and patients about the increased risk of congenital malformation, specifically orofacial clefts, in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.⁴² REMS focuses on the importance of pregnancy prevention, the consistent use of birth control, and the need to discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Flexible dosing. Phentermine/topiramate ER is available in 4 dosages: phentermine 3.75 mg/topiramate 23 mg ER; phentermine 7.5 mg/topiramate 46 mg ER; phentermine 11.25 mg/topiramate 69 mg ER; and phentermine 15 mg/topiramate 92 mg ER. Gradual dose escalation minimizes risks and adverse events.²³

Monitor patients frequently to evaluate for adverse effects and ensure adherence to diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. If weight loss is slower or less robust than expected, check for dietary indiscretion, as medications have limited efficacy without appropriate behavioral changes.

Discontinue phentermine/topiramate ER if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on the maximum dose, as it is unlikely that she will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.²³ In this case, consider another agent with a different mechanism of action. Any of the other antiobesity medications could be appropriate for this patient.
 

CASE 2 Norman S, a 52-year-old overweight man (BMI 29 kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma, has recently hit a plateau with his weight loss. He lost 45 pounds secondary to diet and exercise, but hasn’t been able to lose any more. He also struggles with constant hunger. His medications include metformin 1000 mg bid, atorvastatin 10 mg/d, and occasional acetaminophen/oxycodone for knee pain until he undergoes a left knee replacement. Labora­tory values are normal except for a hemoglobin A1c of 7.2%.

Mr. S is afraid of needles and cannot tolerate stimulants due to anxiety. Which medication is an appropriate next step for this patient?

Discussion

Lorcaserin is a good choice for this patient who is overweight and has several weight-related comorbidities. He has worked hard to lose a significant number of pounds, and is now at high risk of regaining them. That’s because his appetite has increased with his new exercise regimen, but his energy expenditure has decreased secondary to metabolic adaptation.

Narrowing the field. Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR cannot be used because of his opioid use. Phentermine/topiramate ER is contraindicated for patients with glaucoma, and liraglutide 3 mg is not appropriate given the patient’s fear of needles.

He could try orlistat, especially if he struggles with constipation, but the gastrointestinal adverse effects are difficult for many patients to tolerate. While not an antiobesity medication, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor could be prescribed for his diabetes and may also promote weight loss.⁴³

An appealing choice. The glucose-lowering effect of lorcaserin could provide an added benefit for the patient. The BLOOM-DM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management in diabetes mellitus) study reported a mean reduction in hemoglobin A1c of 0.9% in the treatment group compared with a 0.4% reduction in the placebo group,³⁰ and the effect of lorcaserin on A1c appeared to be independent of weight loss.

Mechanism of action: Cause for concern? Although lorcaserin selectively binds to serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, the theoretical risk of cardiac valvulopathy was evaluated in phase III studies, as fenfluramine, a 5-HT2B-receptor agonist, was withdrawn from the US market in 1997 for this reason.⁴⁴ Both the BLOOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin for overweight and obesity management) and BLOSSOM (Behavioral modification and lorcaserin second study for obesity management) studies found that lorcaserin did not increase the incidence of FDA-defined cardiac valvulopathy.^28,29

Formulations/adverse effects. Lorcaserin is available in 2 formulations: 10-mg tablets, which are taken twice daily, or 20-mg XR tablets, which are taken once daily. Both are generally well tolerated.^27,45 The most common adverse event reported in phase III trials was headache.^28,30,43 Discontinue lorcaserin if the patient does not lose 5% of his initial weight after 12 weeks, as weight loss at this stage is a good predictor of longer-term success.⁴⁶

Some patients don’t respond. Interestingly, a subset of patients do not respond to lorcaserin. The most likely explanation for different responses to the medication is that there are many causes of obesity, only some of which respond to 5-HT2C agonism. Currently, we do not perform pharmacogenomic testing before prescribing lorcaserin, but perhaps an inexpensive test to identify responders will be available in the future.

CASE 3 Kathryn M, a 38-year-old woman with obesity (BMI 42 kg/m²), obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and depression, is eager to get better control over her weight. Her medications include lansoprazole 30 mg/d and a multivitamin. She reports constantly thinking about food and not being able to control her impulses to buy large quantities of unhealthy snacks. She is so preoccupied by thoughts of food that she has difficulty concentrating at work.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for patients who describe debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food.

Ms. M smokes a quarter of a pack of cigarettes daily, but she is ready to quit. She views bariatric surgery as a “last resort” and has no anxiety, pain, or history of seizures. Which medication is appropriate for this patient?

Discussion

This patient with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) is eligible for bariatric surgery; however, she is not interested in pursuing it at this time. It is important to discuss all of her options before deciding on a treatment plan. For patients like Ms. M, who would benefit from more than modest weight loss, consider a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, devices (eg, an intragastric balloon), and/or surgery. You would need to make clear to Ms. M that she may still be eligible for insurance coverage for surgery if she changes her mind after pursuing other treatments as long as her BMI remains ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities.

Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is a good choice for Ms. M because she describes debilitating cravings and addictive behavior surrounding food. Patients taking naltrexone SR/bupropion SR in the Contrave Obesity Research (COR)-I and COR-II phase III trials experienced a reduced frequency of food cravings, reduced difficulty in resisting food cravings, and an increased ability to control eating compared with those assigned to placebo.^32,33

Added benefits. Bupropion could also help Ms. M quit smoking and improve her mood, as it is FDA-approved for smoking cessation and depression. She denies anxiety and seizures, so bupropion is not contraindicated. Even if a patient denies a history of seizure, ask about any conditions that predispose to seizures, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.

Opioid use. Although the patient denies pain, ask about potential opioid use, as naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Patients should be informed that opioids may be ineffective if they are required unexpectedly (eg, for trauma) and that naltrexone SR/bupropion SR should be withheld for any planned surgical procedure potentially requiring opioid use.

Other options. While naltrexone SR/bupropion SR is the most appropriate choice for this patient because it addresses Ms. M’s problematic eating behaviors while potentially improving mood and assisting with smoking cessation, phentermine/topiramate ER, lorcaserin, and liraglutide 3 mg could also be used and should certainly be tried if naltrexone SR/bupropion SR does not produce the desired weight loss.

Adverse effects. Titrate naltrexone SR/bupropion SR slowly to the treatment dose to minimize risks and adverse events.³¹ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, constipation, and headache.^34,35,45,46 Discontinue naltrexone SR/bupropion SR if the patient does not achieve 5% weight loss at 16 weeks (after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose).³¹

CASE 4 William P, a 65-year-old man with obesity (BMI 39 kg/m2) who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and who has type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, remains concerned about his weight. He lost 100 lbs following surgery and maintained his weight for 3 years, but then regained 30 lbs. He comes in for an office visit because he’s concerned about his increasing blood sugar and wants to prevent further weight gain. His medications include metformin 1000 mg bid, lisinopril 5 mg/d, carvedilol 12.5 mg bid, simvastatin 20 mg/d, and aspirin 81 mg/d. Laboratory test results are normal except for a hemoglobin A1c of 8%. He denies pancreatitis and a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Which medication is an appropriate next step for Mr. P?

Discussion

Pharmacotherapy is a great option for this patient, who is regaining weight following bariatric surgery. Phentermine/topiramate ER is the only medication that would be contraindicated because of his heart disease. Lorcaserin and naltrexone SR/bupropion SR could be considered, but liraglutide 3 mg is the most appropriate option, given his need for further glucose control.

Medication is a great option for patients who are regaining weight after bariatric surgery.

Furthermore, the recent LEADER (Liraglutide effect and action in diabetes: evaluation of CV outcome results) trial reported a significant mortality benefit with liraglutide 1.8 mg/d among patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.⁴⁷ The study found that liraglutide was superior to placebo in reducing CV events.

Contraindications. Ask patients about a history of pancreatitis before starting liraglutide 3 mg given the possible increased risk. In addition, liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Thyroid C-cell tumors have been found in rodents given supratherapeutic doses of liraglutide;⁴⁸ however, there is no evidence of liraglutide causing C-cell tumors in humans.

For patients taking a medication that can cause hypoglycemia, such as insulin or a sulfonylurea, monitor blood sugar and consider reducing the dose of that medication when starting liraglutide.

Administration and titration. Liraglutide is injected subcutaneously once daily. The dose is titrated up weekly to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.³⁶ The most common adverse effects reported in phase III trials were nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.^37-39 Discontinue liraglutide 3 mg if the patient does not lose at least 4% of baseline body weight after 16 weeks.⁴⁹

CORRESPONDENCE
Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065; kph2001@med.cornell.edu.

Medications can have an unpredictable and variable effect on weight. Some drugs trigger weight gain in one patient while inducing weight loss in another. Others may lead to weight loss initially but cause weight gain when taken long term.¹ Often, a drug’s effect on a patient’s weight depends on his or her medical history and lifestyle, including factors like insulin resistance, diet, and exercise level.

To make matters worse, clinical studies of drug-related effects on weight can be misleading. Because researchers often report a mean weight change—an average of those who had little or no change in weight when taking the drug and individuals who may have gained a significant amount of weight—a drug’s potential to cause weight gain may be underestimated. Few studies include an analysis of the range—eg, how many participants gained or lost various percentages of body weight. What’s more, pharmacology studies typically follow participants for a few months to a few years, whereas weight changes can be cumulative when a medication is taken for many years.

The nation’s continually growing obesity epidemic makes it crucial for physicians to consider the weight effects of medications being prescribed and to balance the benefits of treatment with the potential for weight gain. Until recently, the medical literature offered little guidance.

In 2015, the Endocrine Society published clinical practice guidelines for pharmacologic management of obesity, including data on medications that cause weight gain and suggesting alternatives that are weight-neutral or promote weight loss.²

In the pages that follow, we present case studies, tables, and a review of the latest evidence to highlight optimal drug treatment for patients who are overweight or obese, and are also being treated for diabetes, hypertension, and depression. You’ll find a brief discussion of weight management strategies related to other drugs and conditions in the sidebar.^2-5

CASE 1 › 40-year-old man with diabetes and hyperlipidemia

Brian P, who has come in for an annual checkup, has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m². He also has hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes, for which he has been taking metformin for several years. A year ago, his hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.3%, so his physician added glyburide to his regimen.

In the year since, Mr. P has gained 12 lbs (5.4 kg) but achieved only a minimal reduction in HbA1c (to 6.8%). He expresses concern about the cardiovascular effects of the extra weight and says that diet and exercise have not helped him control his weight.

CASE 2 › Older woman with hypertension and hypothyroidism

Addie K, age 64, is obese (BMI, 37 kg/m²) and has hypertension and hypothyroidism, for which she takes metoprolol and levothyroxine. Ms. K says that she is careful about what she eats and exercises several times a week, but still has seen her weight increase steadily for the past several years.

The nation's obesity epidemic makes it crucial for physicians to consider the weight effects of medications being prescribed and to balance the benefits of treatment with the potential for weight gain.

CASE 3 › Young man with depression

Charlie D, a 21-year-old college student, is a new patient. He has depression and is obese (BMI, 34 kg/m²). The patient says he was diagnosed with depression by his former primary care physician, who prescribed paroxetine a year ago. He requests a refill of the paroxetine, which he reports has successfully boosted his mood. When asked about his weight, he admits that he has gained 8 lbs (3.6 kg) since he began taking the drug.

If these were your patients, what weight management steps would you take? Before we provide some recommendations, let’s review the evidence.

While some antidiabetic agents are weight-neutral and others promote weight loss, several therapies are associated with weight gain⁶ (TABLE 1³). Patients like Mr. P can gain as much as 10 kg in 3 to 6 months after beginning treatment with insulin, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), sulfonylureas, and other insulin secretagogues.^2,7

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 257 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found weight gain to be associated with the use of pioglitazone (2.6 kg), glimepiride (2.1 kg), glyburide (2.6 kg), glipizide (2.2 kg), and sitagliptin (0.55 kg). A modest weight loss was associated with acarbose, exenatide, liraglutide, metformin, miglitol, and pramlintide.⁸

Sulfonylureas are generally associated with a 1.5 to 2.5 kg weight gain.^9-11 In an analysis of 27 RCTs of noninsulin antidiabetic drugs in patients whose disease was not controlled by metformin alone, TZDs, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides were associated with a 1.77 to 2.08 kg weight gain.⁹ Furthermore, those taking sulfonylureas and meglitinides had higher rates of hypoglycemia compared with patients taking placebo (relative risk, 4.50-7.50). In fact, sulfonylureas have the highest risk of serious hypoglycemia of any noninsulin therapy.⁶

In contrast, metformin—the most commonly prescribed oral agent for type 2 diabetes—promotes mild weight loss by multiple mechanisms and has a good safety profile.^12,13 Thus, some physicians use metformin off label for weight loss and diabetes prevention and have suggested that it be approved for these indications.¹³

Glycemic control and weight loss

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists lead to weight loss by decreasing appetite and enhancing satiety, as well as improving glycemic control. Liraglutide received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2014 as a treatment for chronic weight management at a higher dose (3 mg/d) than that used to treat diabetes (1.8 mg/d).¹⁴

For patients who are obese and who require insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, the Endocrine Society recommends concomitantly prescribing at least one weight loss-promoting medication.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of antidiabetic medication that reduce glucose reabsorption by the kidneys, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion.¹⁵ The associated weight loss, in addition to a reduction in hyperglycemia, may be due to the subsequent calorie loss through glycosuria.

Both dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) appear to be weight-neutral or to induce minimal changes in weight.¹⁶ Although the systematic review mentioned earlier found a 0.55 kg weight gain associated with sitagliptin,⁸ most studies of DPP-4 inhibitors report weight neutrality.^17-19 Pramlintide, the amylin analogue that has FDA approval for use in combination with existing insulin treatment, can prevent weight gain or lead to weight loss.^20,21

The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline recommends concomitantly prescribing at least one weight loss-promoting medication (such as metformin, a GLP-1 agonist, or pramlintide) to patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes who require insulin to mitigate weight gain due to insulin.²

The 2016 Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm published by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology recommends that the initiation of diabetes therapies be based on the risks of weight gain and hypoglycemia, among other factors. The algorithm calls for metformin as first-line therapy, followed by a GLP-1 agonist as a second-line therapy, and an SGLT2 inhibitor as a third-line therapy.⁶

Finally, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications may be appropriate for patients with diabetes who are unable to lose weight with lifestyle interventions alone.²² Each medication is associated with improvements in glucose in addition to other metabolic parameters.

CASE 1 › A better choice for Mr. P

Because Mr. P has gained weight—and, indeed, developed obesity—since he started taking glyburide, it is clear that a sulfonylurea is not the best choice for this patient. An antidiabetic agent that is weight-neutral or that promotes weight loss, such as an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 agonist, would be more suitable. The drug should be prescribed in conjunction with his metformin, which has a favorable weight profile and helps reduce HbA1c, as both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists also do.

If Mr. P were to switch to an SGLT2 inhibitor, a combination pill containing metformin would be an effective way to limit the patient’s pill burden.

Treating hypertension without weight gain

Thiazide diuretics are often recommended as first-line agents for the treatment of hypertension, but their dose-related adverse effects, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, are undesirable for patients who are overweight or obese and at risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.²³ Beta-adrenergic blockers have been shown to promote weight gain and prevent weight loss, especially in patients who have both hypertension and diabetes.²⁴ In addition to having potential adverse metabolic effects on lipids and/or insulin sensitivity, beta-blockers can decrease metabolic rate by 10% and they may have other negative effects on energy metabolism, as well.²⁵

When a patient who is obese has a condition for which a beta-blocker is a necessity, a selective agent with a vasodilating component is recommended.

In a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs that lasted ≥6 months, changes in body weight were higher in participants on beta-blockers, with a median difference of 1.2 kg (−0.4 to 3.5 kg) between those on beta-blockers and the control group.²⁶ The evidence suggests that beta-blockers should not necessarily be first-line treatment for hypertension in patients who are overweight or obese and that obesity management in patients with hypertension may be harder if they are being treated with a beta-blocker.

There are exceptions, however. When beta-blockers are required—for patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or an arrhythmia, for example—a selective agent with a vasodilating component, such as carvedilol or nebivolol, is recommended.² These drugs appear to have less potential for weight gain and to have minimal effect on lipid and glucose metabolism.^26,27

In a study of 1106 patients with hypertension, those taking metoprolol had a statistically significant mean weight gain of 1.19 kg (P<.001) compared with patients taking carvedilol (mean weight gain, 0.17 kg; P=.36).²⁴ While 4.5% of those in the metoprolol group gained ≥7% of their body weight, that was true of only 1.1% of those taking carvedilol. Thus, weight gain can sometimes be minimized by choosing a different medication within the same drug class.

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers

Antihypertensive medications that are not associated with weight gain or insulin resistance include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (TABLE 2).³ Angiotensin contributes to obesity-related hypertension, as it is overexpressed in obesity, making ACE inhibitors and ARBs desirable options for the treatment of patients who are obese. And, because many patients who are obese also suffer from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, they’re likely to benefit from the renal protection provided by ACE inhibitors and ARBs, as well.

CASE 2 › Switching antihypertensives

Switching Ms. K from metoprolol, a beta-blocker, to an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or CCB may help prevent further weight gain, and possibly even lead to weight loss. Any drug in any of these 3 classes of medications would be a reasonable choice. However, if the patient had a condition that warranted use of a beta-blocker, a selective agent with a vasodilating component such as carvedilol or nebivolol might be helpful.

Choosing an antidepressant when weight is an issue

For patients with psychiatric conditions, weight gain is often multifactorial. One key issue: Weight gain is a common adverse effect of many antidepressants (TABLE 3).³ Within classes of antidepressants, there is a range of weight gain potential, which can vary depending on the duration of therapy.²

In a meta-analysis of 116 studies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline were associated with weight loss in short-term use (4-12 weeks) and weight neutrality when used for >4 months.¹ Patients who had type 2 diabetes as well as depression had an average weight loss from fluoxetine of 5.1 kg (3.3–6.9 kg) at 24- to 26-week follow up.²⁸

Because many patients who are obese also suffer from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, they’re likely to benefit from the renal protection provided by ACE inhibitors and ARBs, as well.Among SSRI and tricyclic (TCA) antidepressants, paroxetine and amitriptyline, respectively, had the greatest risk for weight gain.^1,29 No significant weight effect was observed for either citalopram or escitalopram. Keep in mind, however, that the effect of each antidepressant on weight may vary greatly from one patient to another.¹ For example, while Mr. D gained 3.6 kg on paroxetine, some patients gain no weight at all.

In the systematic review and meta-analysis of 257 RCTs, weight gain was associated with the use of amitriptyline (1.8 kg) and mirtazapine (1.5 kg), while weight loss was associated with bupropion and fluoxetine (-1.3 kg for each).⁸

Bupropion, a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, is the only antidepressant that has been consistently shown to cause weight loss.^30,31 Clinical trials have found that it decreases body weight by suppressing appetite and reducing food cravings.³⁰ Bupropion is approved for the treatment of depression and as a smoking cessation aide. And, in 2014, a bupropion-naltrexone combination received FDA approval for chronic weight management, sold under the brand name Contrave.³²

Within classes of antidepressants, there is a range of weight gain potential, which can vary depending on the duration of therapy.

As different classes of antidepressants are often prescribed for different types of depression, it is important to be aware that the few that are weight-neutral and weight-loss-promoting are not appropriate for all patients with depression. For example, bupropion is an activating agent and can exacerbate anxiety. Thus, a patient with concomitant depression and anxiety might be a better candidate for another antidepressant, which could lead to some weight gain but would better manage the individual’s symptoms. In such cases, the rule of thumb should be to prescribe the lowest dose required for clinical efficacy for the shortest duration necessary.

CASE 3 › Change antidepressants— and keep a close watch

Depending on the nature of Mr. D’s depression, bupropion, fluoxetine, or sertraline might be a reasonable alternative to paroxetine to prevent or reduce further drug-induced weight gain.

Frequent follow-up visits should be scheduled until the transition has been completed and his condition stabilized. If Mr. D’s new antidepressant is bupropion, monitoring him for signs of anxiety would be required.

CORRESPONDENCE
Katherine H. Saunders, MD, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065; kph2001@med.cornell.edu.

Medications can have an unpredictable and variable effect on weight. Some drugs trigger weight gain in one patient while inducing weight loss in another. Others may lead to weight loss initially but cause weight gain when taken long term.¹ Often, a drug’s effect on a patient’s weight depends on his or her medical history and lifestyle, including factors like insulin resistance, diet, and exercise level.

To make matters worse, clinical studies of drug-related effects on weight can be misleading. Because researchers often report a mean weight change—an average of those who had little or no change in weight when taking the drug and individuals who may have gained a significant amount of weight—a drug’s potential to cause weight gain may be underestimated. Few studies include an analysis of the range—eg, how many participants gained or lost various percentages of body weight. What’s more, pharmacology studies typically follow participants for a few months to a few years, whereas weight changes can be cumulative when a medication is taken for many years.

The nation’s continually growing obesity epidemic makes it crucial for physicians to consider the weight effects of medications being prescribed and to balance the benefits of treatment with the potential for weight gain. Until recently, the medical literature offered little guidance.

In 2015, the Endocrine Society published clinical practice guidelines for pharmacologic management of obesity, including data on medications that cause weight gain and suggesting alternatives that are weight-neutral or promote weight loss.²

In the pages that follow, we present case studies, tables, and a review of the latest evidence to highlight optimal drug treatment for patients who are overweight or obese, and are also being treated for diabetes, hypertension, and depression. You’ll find a brief discussion of weight management strategies related to other drugs and conditions in the sidebar.^2-5

CASE 1 › 40-year-old man with diabetes and hyperlipidemia

Brian P, who has come in for an annual checkup, has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m². He also has hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes, for which he has been taking metformin for several years. A year ago, his hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.3%, so his physician added glyburide to his regimen.

In the year since, Mr. P has gained 12 lbs (5.4 kg) but achieved only a minimal reduction in HbA1c (to 6.8%). He expresses concern about the cardiovascular effects of the extra weight and says that diet and exercise have not helped him control his weight.

CASE 2 › Older woman with hypertension and hypothyroidism

Addie K, age 64, is obese (BMI, 37 kg/m²) and has hypertension and hypothyroidism, for which she takes metoprolol and levothyroxine. Ms. K says that she is careful about what she eats and exercises several times a week, but still has seen her weight increase steadily for the past several years.

The nation's obesity epidemic makes it crucial for physicians to consider the weight effects of medications being prescribed and to balance the benefits of treatment with the potential for weight gain.

CASE 3 › Young man with depression

Charlie D, a 21-year-old college student, is a new patient. He has depression and is obese (BMI, 34 kg/m²). The patient says he was diagnosed with depression by his former primary care physician, who prescribed paroxetine a year ago. He requests a refill of the paroxetine, which he reports has successfully boosted his mood. When asked about his weight, he admits that he has gained 8 lbs (3.6 kg) since he began taking the drug.

If these were your patients, what weight management steps would you take? Before we provide some recommendations, let’s review the evidence.

While some antidiabetic agents are weight-neutral and others promote weight loss, several therapies are associated with weight gain⁶ (TABLE 1³). Patients like Mr. P can gain as much as 10 kg in 3 to 6 months after beginning treatment with insulin, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), sulfonylureas, and other insulin secretagogues.^2,7

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 257 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found weight gain to be associated with the use of pioglitazone (2.6 kg), glimepiride (2.1 kg), glyburide (2.6 kg), glipizide (2.2 kg), and sitagliptin (0.55 kg). A modest weight loss was associated with acarbose, exenatide, liraglutide, metformin, miglitol, and pramlintide.⁸

Sulfonylureas are generally associated with a 1.5 to 2.5 kg weight gain.^9-11 In an analysis of 27 RCTs of noninsulin antidiabetic drugs in patients whose disease was not controlled by metformin alone, TZDs, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides were associated with a 1.77 to 2.08 kg weight gain.⁹ Furthermore, those taking sulfonylureas and meglitinides had higher rates of hypoglycemia compared with patients taking placebo (relative risk, 4.50-7.50). In fact, sulfonylureas have the highest risk of serious hypoglycemia of any noninsulin therapy.⁶

In contrast, metformin—the most commonly prescribed oral agent for type 2 diabetes—promotes mild weight loss by multiple mechanisms and has a good safety profile.^12,13 Thus, some physicians use metformin off label for weight loss and diabetes prevention and have suggested that it be approved for these indications.¹³

Glycemic control and weight loss

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists lead to weight loss by decreasing appetite and enhancing satiety, as well as improving glycemic control. Liraglutide received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2014 as a treatment for chronic weight management at a higher dose (3 mg/d) than that used to treat diabetes (1.8 mg/d).¹⁴

For patients who are obese and who require insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, the Endocrine Society recommends concomitantly prescribing at least one weight loss-promoting medication.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of antidiabetic medication that reduce glucose reabsorption by the kidneys, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion.¹⁵ The associated weight loss, in addition to a reduction in hyperglycemia, may be due to the subsequent calorie loss through glycosuria.

Both dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) appear to be weight-neutral or to induce minimal changes in weight.¹⁶ Although the systematic review mentioned earlier found a 0.55 kg weight gain associated with sitagliptin,⁸ most studies of DPP-4 inhibitors report weight neutrality.^17-19 Pramlintide, the amylin analogue that has FDA approval for use in combination with existing insulin treatment, can prevent weight gain or lead to weight loss.^20,21

The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline recommends concomitantly prescribing at least one weight loss-promoting medication (such as metformin, a GLP-1 agonist, or pramlintide) to patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes who require insulin to mitigate weight gain due to insulin.²

The 2016 Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm published by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology recommends that the initiation of diabetes therapies be based on the risks of weight gain and hypoglycemia, among other factors. The algorithm calls for metformin as first-line therapy, followed by a GLP-1 agonist as a second-line therapy, and an SGLT2 inhibitor as a third-line therapy.⁶

Finally, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications may be appropriate for patients with diabetes who are unable to lose weight with lifestyle interventions alone.²² Each medication is associated with improvements in glucose in addition to other metabolic parameters.

CASE 1 › A better choice for Mr. P

Because Mr. P has gained weight—and, indeed, developed obesity—since he started taking glyburide, it is clear that a sulfonylurea is not the best choice for this patient. An antidiabetic agent that is weight-neutral or that promotes weight loss, such as an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 agonist, would be more suitable. The drug should be prescribed in conjunction with his metformin, which has a favorable weight profile and helps reduce HbA1c, as both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists also do.

If Mr. P were to switch to an SGLT2 inhibitor, a combination pill containing metformin would be an effective way to limit the patient’s pill burden.

Treating hypertension without weight gain

Thiazide diuretics are often recommended as first-line agents for the treatment of hypertension, but their dose-related adverse effects, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, are undesirable for patients who are overweight or obese and at risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.²³ Beta-adrenergic blockers have been shown to promote weight gain and prevent weight loss, especially in patients who have both hypertension and diabetes.²⁴ In addition to having potential adverse metabolic effects on lipids and/or insulin sensitivity, beta-blockers can decrease metabolic rate by 10% and they may have other negative effects on energy metabolism, as well.²⁵

When a patient who is obese has a condition for which a beta-blocker is a necessity, a selective agent with a vasodilating component is recommended.

In a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs that lasted ≥6 months, changes in body weight were higher in participants on beta-blockers, with a median difference of 1.2 kg (−0.4 to 3.5 kg) between those on beta-blockers and the control group.²⁶ The evidence suggests that beta-blockers should not necessarily be first-line treatment for hypertension in patients who are overweight or obese and that obesity management in patients with hypertension may be harder if they are being treated with a beta-blocker.

There are exceptions, however. When beta-blockers are required—for patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or an arrhythmia, for example—a selective agent with a vasodilating component, such as carvedilol or nebivolol, is recommended.² These drugs appear to have less potential for weight gain and to have minimal effect on lipid and glucose metabolism.^26,27

In a study of 1106 patients with hypertension, those taking metoprolol had a statistically significant mean weight gain of 1.19 kg (P<.001) compared with patients taking carvedilol (mean weight gain, 0.17 kg; P=.36).²⁴ While 4.5% of those in the metoprolol group gained ≥7% of their body weight, that was true of only 1.1% of those taking carvedilol. Thus, weight gain can sometimes be minimized by choosing a different medication within the same drug class.

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers

Antihypertensive medications that are not associated with weight gain or insulin resistance include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (TABLE 2).³ Angiotensin contributes to obesity-related hypertension, as it is overexpressed in obesity, making ACE inhibitors and ARBs desirable options for the treatment of patients who are obese. And, because many patients who are obese also suffer from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, they’re likely to benefit from the renal protection provided by ACE inhibitors and ARBs, as well.

CASE 2 › Switching antihypertensives

Switching Ms. K from metoprolol, a beta-blocker, to an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or CCB may help prevent further weight gain, and possibly even lead to weight loss. Any drug in any of these 3 classes of medications would be a reasonable choice. However, if the patient had a condition that warranted use of a beta-blocker, a selective agent with a vasodilating component such as carvedilol or nebivolol might be helpful.

Choosing an antidepressant when weight is an issue

For patients with psychiatric conditions, weight gain is often multifactorial. One key issue: Weight gain is a common adverse effect of many antidepressants (TABLE 3).³ Within classes of antidepressants, there is a range of weight gain potential, which can vary depending on the duration of therapy.²

In a meta-analysis of 116 studies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline were associated with weight loss in short-term use (4-12 weeks) and weight neutrality when used for >4 months.¹ Patients who had type 2 diabetes as well as depression had an average weight loss from fluoxetine of 5.1 kg (3.3–6.9 kg) at 24- to 26-week follow up.²⁸

Because many patients who are obese also suffer from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, they’re likely to benefit from the renal protection provided by ACE inhibitors and ARBs, as well.Among SSRI and tricyclic (TCA) antidepressants, paroxetine and amitriptyline, respectively, had the greatest risk for weight gain.^1,29 No significant weight effect was observed for either citalopram or escitalopram. Keep in mind, however, that the effect of each antidepressant on weight may vary greatly from one patient to another.¹ For example, while Mr. D gained 3.6 kg on paroxetine, some patients gain no weight at all.

In the systematic review and meta-analysis of 257 RCTs, weight gain was associated with the use of amitriptyline (1.8 kg) and mirtazapine (1.5 kg), while weight loss was associated with bupropion and fluoxetine (-1.3 kg for each).⁸

Bupropion, a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, is the only antidepressant that has been consistently shown to cause weight loss.^30,31 Clinical trials have found that it decreases body weight by suppressing appetite and reducing food cravings.³⁰ Bupropion is approved for the treatment of depression and as a smoking cessation aide. And, in 2014, a bupropion-naltrexone combination received FDA approval for chronic weight management, sold under the brand name Contrave.³²

Within classes of antidepressants, there is a range of weight gain potential, which can vary depending on the duration of therapy.

As different classes of antidepressants are often prescribed for different types of depression, it is important to be aware that the few that are weight-neutral and weight-loss-promoting are not appropriate for all patients with depression. For example, bupropion is an activating agent and can exacerbate anxiety. Thus, a patient with concomitant depression and anxiety might be a better candidate for another antidepressant, which could lead to some weight gain but would better manage the individual’s symptoms. In such cases, the rule of thumb should be to prescribe the lowest dose required for clinical efficacy for the shortest duration necessary.

CASE 3 › Change antidepressants— and keep a close watch

Depending on the nature of Mr. D’s depression, bupropion, fluoxetine, or sertraline might be a reasonable alternative to paroxetine to prevent or reduce further drug-induced weight gain.

Frequent follow-up visits should be scheduled until the transition has been completed and his condition stabilized. If Mr. D’s new antidepressant is bupropion, monitoring him for signs of anxiety would be required.

CORRESPONDENCE
Katherine H. Saunders, MD, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065; kph2001@med.cornell.edu.

Medications can have an unpredictable and variable effect on weight. Some drugs trigger weight gain in one patient while inducing weight loss in another. Others may lead to weight loss initially but cause weight gain when taken long term.¹ Often, a drug’s effect on a patient’s weight depends on his or her medical history and lifestyle, including factors like insulin resistance, diet, and exercise level.

To make matters worse, clinical studies of drug-related effects on weight can be misleading. Because researchers often report a mean weight change—an average of those who had little or no change in weight when taking the drug and individuals who may have gained a significant amount of weight—a drug’s potential to cause weight gain may be underestimated. Few studies include an analysis of the range—eg, how many participants gained or lost various percentages of body weight. What’s more, pharmacology studies typically follow participants for a few months to a few years, whereas weight changes can be cumulative when a medication is taken for many years.

The nation’s continually growing obesity epidemic makes it crucial for physicians to consider the weight effects of medications being prescribed and to balance the benefits of treatment with the potential for weight gain. Until recently, the medical literature offered little guidance.

In 2015, the Endocrine Society published clinical practice guidelines for pharmacologic management of obesity, including data on medications that cause weight gain and suggesting alternatives that are weight-neutral or promote weight loss.²

In the pages that follow, we present case studies, tables, and a review of the latest evidence to highlight optimal drug treatment for patients who are overweight or obese, and are also being treated for diabetes, hypertension, and depression. You’ll find a brief discussion of weight management strategies related to other drugs and conditions in the sidebar.^2-5

CASE 1 › 40-year-old man with diabetes and hyperlipidemia

Brian P, who has come in for an annual checkup, has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m². He also has hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes, for which he has been taking metformin for several years. A year ago, his hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.3%, so his physician added glyburide to his regimen.

In the year since, Mr. P has gained 12 lbs (5.4 kg) but achieved only a minimal reduction in HbA1c (to 6.8%). He expresses concern about the cardiovascular effects of the extra weight and says that diet and exercise have not helped him control his weight.

CASE 2 › Older woman with hypertension and hypothyroidism

Addie K, age 64, is obese (BMI, 37 kg/m²) and has hypertension and hypothyroidism, for which she takes metoprolol and levothyroxine. Ms. K says that she is careful about what she eats and exercises several times a week, but still has seen her weight increase steadily for the past several years.

The nation's obesity epidemic makes it crucial for physicians to consider the weight effects of medications being prescribed and to balance the benefits of treatment with the potential for weight gain.

CASE 3 › Young man with depression

Charlie D, a 21-year-old college student, is a new patient. He has depression and is obese (BMI, 34 kg/m²). The patient says he was diagnosed with depression by his former primary care physician, who prescribed paroxetine a year ago. He requests a refill of the paroxetine, which he reports has successfully boosted his mood. When asked about his weight, he admits that he has gained 8 lbs (3.6 kg) since he began taking the drug.

If these were your patients, what weight management steps would you take? Before we provide some recommendations, let’s review the evidence.

While some antidiabetic agents are weight-neutral and others promote weight loss, several therapies are associated with weight gain⁶ (TABLE 1³). Patients like Mr. P can gain as much as 10 kg in 3 to 6 months after beginning treatment with insulin, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), sulfonylureas, and other insulin secretagogues.^2,7

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 257 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found weight gain to be associated with the use of pioglitazone (2.6 kg), glimepiride (2.1 kg), glyburide (2.6 kg), glipizide (2.2 kg), and sitagliptin (0.55 kg). A modest weight loss was associated with acarbose, exenatide, liraglutide, metformin, miglitol, and pramlintide.⁸

Sulfonylureas are generally associated with a 1.5 to 2.5 kg weight gain.^9-11 In an analysis of 27 RCTs of noninsulin antidiabetic drugs in patients whose disease was not controlled by metformin alone, TZDs, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides were associated with a 1.77 to 2.08 kg weight gain.⁹ Furthermore, those taking sulfonylureas and meglitinides had higher rates of hypoglycemia compared with patients taking placebo (relative risk, 4.50-7.50). In fact, sulfonylureas have the highest risk of serious hypoglycemia of any noninsulin therapy.⁶

In contrast, metformin—the most commonly prescribed oral agent for type 2 diabetes—promotes mild weight loss by multiple mechanisms and has a good safety profile.^12,13 Thus, some physicians use metformin off label for weight loss and diabetes prevention and have suggested that it be approved for these indications.¹³

Glycemic control and weight loss

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists lead to weight loss by decreasing appetite and enhancing satiety, as well as improving glycemic control. Liraglutide received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2014 as a treatment for chronic weight management at a higher dose (3 mg/d) than that used to treat diabetes (1.8 mg/d).¹⁴

For patients who are obese and who require insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, the Endocrine Society recommends concomitantly prescribing at least one weight loss-promoting medication.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of antidiabetic medication that reduce glucose reabsorption by the kidneys, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion.¹⁵ The associated weight loss, in addition to a reduction in hyperglycemia, may be due to the subsequent calorie loss through glycosuria.

Both dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) appear to be weight-neutral or to induce minimal changes in weight.¹⁶ Although the systematic review mentioned earlier found a 0.55 kg weight gain associated with sitagliptin,⁸ most studies of DPP-4 inhibitors report weight neutrality.^17-19 Pramlintide, the amylin analogue that has FDA approval for use in combination with existing insulin treatment, can prevent weight gain or lead to weight loss.^20,21

The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline recommends concomitantly prescribing at least one weight loss-promoting medication (such as metformin, a GLP-1 agonist, or pramlintide) to patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes who require insulin to mitigate weight gain due to insulin.²

The 2016 Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm published by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology recommends that the initiation of diabetes therapies be based on the risks of weight gain and hypoglycemia, among other factors. The algorithm calls for metformin as first-line therapy, followed by a GLP-1 agonist as a second-line therapy, and an SGLT2 inhibitor as a third-line therapy.⁶

Finally, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications may be appropriate for patients with diabetes who are unable to lose weight with lifestyle interventions alone.²² Each medication is associated with improvements in glucose in addition to other metabolic parameters.

CASE 1 › A better choice for Mr. P

Because Mr. P has gained weight—and, indeed, developed obesity—since he started taking glyburide, it is clear that a sulfonylurea is not the best choice for this patient. An antidiabetic agent that is weight-neutral or that promotes weight loss, such as an SGLT2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 agonist, would be more suitable. The drug should be prescribed in conjunction with his metformin, which has a favorable weight profile and helps reduce HbA1c, as both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists also do.

If Mr. P were to switch to an SGLT2 inhibitor, a combination pill containing metformin would be an effective way to limit the patient’s pill burden.

Treating hypertension without weight gain

Thiazide diuretics are often recommended as first-line agents for the treatment of hypertension, but their dose-related adverse effects, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, are undesirable for patients who are overweight or obese and at risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.²³ Beta-adrenergic blockers have been shown to promote weight gain and prevent weight loss, especially in patients who have both hypertension and diabetes.²⁴ In addition to having potential adverse metabolic effects on lipids and/or insulin sensitivity, beta-blockers can decrease metabolic rate by 10% and they may have other negative effects on energy metabolism, as well.²⁵

When a patient who is obese has a condition for which a beta-blocker is a necessity, a selective agent with a vasodilating component is recommended.

In a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs that lasted ≥6 months, changes in body weight were higher in participants on beta-blockers, with a median difference of 1.2 kg (−0.4 to 3.5 kg) between those on beta-blockers and the control group.²⁶ The evidence suggests that beta-blockers should not necessarily be first-line treatment for hypertension in patients who are overweight or obese and that obesity management in patients with hypertension may be harder if they are being treated with a beta-blocker.

There are exceptions, however. When beta-blockers are required—for patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or an arrhythmia, for example—a selective agent with a vasodilating component, such as carvedilol or nebivolol, is recommended.² These drugs appear to have less potential for weight gain and to have minimal effect on lipid and glucose metabolism.^26,27

In a study of 1106 patients with hypertension, those taking metoprolol had a statistically significant mean weight gain of 1.19 kg (P<.001) compared with patients taking carvedilol (mean weight gain, 0.17 kg; P=.36).²⁴ While 4.5% of those in the metoprolol group gained ≥7% of their body weight, that was true of only 1.1% of those taking carvedilol. Thus, weight gain can sometimes be minimized by choosing a different medication within the same drug class.

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers

Antihypertensive medications that are not associated with weight gain or insulin resistance include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (TABLE 2).³ Angiotensin contributes to obesity-related hypertension, as it is overexpressed in obesity, making ACE inhibitors and ARBs desirable options for the treatment of patients who are obese. And, because many patients who are obese also suffer from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, they’re likely to benefit from the renal protection provided by ACE inhibitors and ARBs, as well.

CASE 2 › Switching antihypertensives

Switching Ms. K from metoprolol, a beta-blocker, to an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or CCB may help prevent further weight gain, and possibly even lead to weight loss. Any drug in any of these 3 classes of medications would be a reasonable choice. However, if the patient had a condition that warranted use of a beta-blocker, a selective agent with a vasodilating component such as carvedilol or nebivolol might be helpful.

Choosing an antidepressant when weight is an issue

For patients with psychiatric conditions, weight gain is often multifactorial. One key issue: Weight gain is a common adverse effect of many antidepressants (TABLE 3).³ Within classes of antidepressants, there is a range of weight gain potential, which can vary depending on the duration of therapy.²

In a meta-analysis of 116 studies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline were associated with weight loss in short-term use (4-12 weeks) and weight neutrality when used for >4 months.¹ Patients who had type 2 diabetes as well as depression had an average weight loss from fluoxetine of 5.1 kg (3.3–6.9 kg) at 24- to 26-week follow up.²⁸

Because many patients who are obese also suffer from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, they’re likely to benefit from the renal protection provided by ACE inhibitors and ARBs, as well.Among SSRI and tricyclic (TCA) antidepressants, paroxetine and amitriptyline, respectively, had the greatest risk for weight gain.^1,29 No significant weight effect was observed for either citalopram or escitalopram. Keep in mind, however, that the effect of each antidepressant on weight may vary greatly from one patient to another.¹ For example, while Mr. D gained 3.6 kg on paroxetine, some patients gain no weight at all.

In the systematic review and meta-analysis of 257 RCTs, weight gain was associated with the use of amitriptyline (1.8 kg) and mirtazapine (1.5 kg), while weight loss was associated with bupropion and fluoxetine (-1.3 kg for each).⁸

Bupropion, a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, is the only antidepressant that has been consistently shown to cause weight loss.^30,31 Clinical trials have found that it decreases body weight by suppressing appetite and reducing food cravings.³⁰ Bupropion is approved for the treatment of depression and as a smoking cessation aide. And, in 2014, a bupropion-naltrexone combination received FDA approval for chronic weight management, sold under the brand name Contrave.³²

Within classes of antidepressants, there is a range of weight gain potential, which can vary depending on the duration of therapy.

As different classes of antidepressants are often prescribed for different types of depression, it is important to be aware that the few that are weight-neutral and weight-loss-promoting are not appropriate for all patients with depression. For example, bupropion is an activating agent and can exacerbate anxiety. Thus, a patient with concomitant depression and anxiety might be a better candidate for another antidepressant, which could lead to some weight gain but would better manage the individual’s symptoms. In such cases, the rule of thumb should be to prescribe the lowest dose required for clinical efficacy for the shortest duration necessary.

CASE 3 › Change antidepressants— and keep a close watch

Depending on the nature of Mr. D’s depression, bupropion, fluoxetine, or sertraline might be a reasonable alternative to paroxetine to prevent or reduce further drug-induced weight gain.

Frequent follow-up visits should be scheduled until the transition has been completed and his condition stabilized. If Mr. D’s new antidepressant is bupropion, monitoring him for signs of anxiety would be required.

CORRESPONDENCE
Katherine H. Saunders, MD, Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065; kph2001@med.cornell.edu.