Bupropion SR vs. placebo for weight loss in obese patients with depressive symptoms

Obes Res. 2002 Oct;10(10):1049-56. doi: 10.1038/oby.2002.142.

Abstract

Objective: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of bupropion sustained-release (bupropion SR) in reducing weight and depressive symptoms in obese adults.

Research methods and procedures: Obese adults (body mass index, 30 to 44 kg/m(2)) not currently meeting criteria for major depression but with depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory score 10-30) received bupropion SR 300 mg/d or placebo for 26 weeks with a 500 kcal/d-deficit diet. Patients who lost <5% of baseline weight at week 12 had bupropion SR dosage or placebo increased to 400 mg/d in a blinded fashion.

Results: The bupropion SR group (n = 193) lost an average of 4.4 kg (4.6% of baseline weight) vs. 1.7 kg (1.8% of baseline weight) on placebo (n = 191, p < 0.001, last-observation-carried-forward analysis). More patients in the bupropion SR group than in the placebo group (40% vs. 16% of intent-to-treat sample, 50% vs. 28% of completers, respectively) lost at least 5% of baseline weight (p < 0.05 at week 4, p < 0.001 at weeks 6 to 26). The percentage of patients reporting > or =50% decrease in depressive symptoms did not differ between groups, but depressive symptoms improved more with bupropion SR than with placebo among patients with a history of major depression (p < 0.05, weeks 4 to 26). In the sample as a whole, improvement in depressive symptoms was related to weight loss of > or =5% regardless of treatment (p < 0.0001). Bupropion SR was well-tolerated.

Discussion: Bupropion SR in combination with a 500 kcal/d-deficit diet facilitated weight loss. Weight loss of > or =5% may improve mood in obese patients with depressive symptoms.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Bupropion / administration & dosage
  • Bupropion / therapeutic use*
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Depression / blood
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Diet, Reducing
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / blood
  • Obesity / diet therapy
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / psychology*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Weight Loss / drug effects*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Triglycerides
  • Bupropion
  • Cholesterol