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Exenatide produced modest weight loss in obese women without diabetes

Issue: November 2010

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Obesity 2010

Obese women without diabetes who used the glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist exenatide for 16 weeks lost an average 2.4 kg compared with weight gain among women assigned to placebo, according to results of a study presented at Obesity 2010.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agents are associated with weight loss in patients with diabetes, but little data exist on the effects of these drugs on weight and appetite in adults without diabetes. Jody Dushay, MD, and colleagues at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, 16-week per treatment period study to examine the effects of exenatide (Byetta, Amylin) on 41 women without diabetes (mean age, 48 years). The women were defined as obese, weighing an average 88.9 kg and an average BMI of 33.

The researchers classified the women into three categories based on weight loss: high responders (more than 5% weight loss); modest responders (less than 5% weight loss); and nonresponders (no weight loss). According to the data presented here, 31% of the women were high responders, with a mean 7.3-kg weight loss; 34% were modest responders, with a mean 1.9-kg weight loss; and 35% were nonresponders, who recorded a 1.7-kg weight gain. The high-responder group experienced early weight loss, a mean 3.3 kg during the first 4 weeks of the study.

Although exenatide was associated with increased satiety vs. placebo, it was not associated with a change in hunger or nausea.

“Exenatide is effective for significant weight loss in a subset of nondiabetic obese subjects who can be identified early in the course of treatment,” the researchers concluded. “Future studies may focus on these high responders in order to optimally employ GLP-1 therapy for the treatment of obesity.”

For more information:

• Dushay J. 13-LB-P. Presented at: Obesity Society 28th Annual Scientific Meeting; Oct. 8-12, 2010; San Diego.

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