ARS | Publication request: DOES METABOLIC SYNDROME MITIGATE WEIGHT LOSS IN OVERWEIGHT MEXICAN AMERICAN WOMEN TREATED FOR 1-YEAR WITH ORLISTAT AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION?

Submitted to: Eating and Weight Disorders
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 10, 2005
Publication Date: March 1, 2006
Citation: Pinkston, M.M., Poston, W.S.C., Reeves, R.S., Haddock, C.K., Taylor, J.E., Foreyt, J.P. 2006. Does metabolic syndrome mitigate weight loss in overweight Mexican American women treated for 1-year with orlistat and lifestyle modification? Eating and Weight Disorders. 11(1):e35-e41.

Interpretive Summary: This research investigated the effects of medication plus lifestyle changes on weight loss in Mexican American women with a syndrome associated with obesity and its consequences (metabolic syndrome). One hundred seven Mexican female participants aged 21-65 years were randomized to either orlistat plus lifestyle management (OLM) or a wait-list control group (WLC) for one year. Within each group, the subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) were compared to those without MS to assess whether its presence moderate weight loss. Risk factors for MS also were evaluated. Although health factors that contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome did not decrease, weight loss and BMI changes were seen in the participants. This demonstrates that having metabolic syndrome does not affect their ability to make these changes using medication plus lifestyle changes.

Technical Abstract: Aims: To investigate the effects of a pharmacotherapy (orlistat) plus lifestyle management (OLM) intervention on weight loss in Mexican American women with and without metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: One hundred and seven female participants aged 21-65 years and of Mexican origin were randomized to either OLM or a wait-list control group (WLC) for one year. The lifestyle interventions were tailored to exhibit features of the Mexican culture. Within each group, subjects with MS were compared to those without MS to assess whether its presence mitigates weight loss. Risk factors for MS also were assessed. Results: Participants with MS in the OLM group experienced significant decreases in weight and body mass index (BMI) as compared to participants without MS. Participants with MS in the OLM group and who completed the study lost 9.3+/-7.5 kg (20.5+/-16.5 lb) as compared to participants with MS in the WLC group, who only lost 0.2+/-3.1 kg (0.4+/-6.8 lb). Further, participants with MS in the OLM group who completed the study experienced a 3.1+/-3.9 kg/m2 decrease in BMI whereas participants with MS in the WLC group only experienced a 0.1+/-1.2 kg/m2 decrease in BMI. No changes in other MS risk factors were significant. Conclusions: Patients with MS experienced significant weight loss and decreases in BMI as a result of a lifestyle and pharmacotherapy intervention.