There were 73 hospitalizations for severe adverse events, with no significant differences among the three study groups. Only three such events were deemed to be possibly related to the intervention: two cholecystectomies, and one case of syncope. In addition, sibutramine was discontinued in seven patients because of blood pressure elevation, tachycardia, or anxiety; and orlistat was discontinued in five patients because of gastrointestinal symptoms.
"Although our study has shown that primary care personnel can provide effective weight-management support, it has not addressed the more challenging question of who will pay for these or related weight-loss interventions," the researchers noted.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funded the study. Dr. Wadden reported ties to Novo Nordisk, Orexigen, Vivus, Nutrisystem, Guilford Press, and the Cardiometabolic Support Network. His associates reported ties to numerous industry sources. Orlistat and Slim-Fast products were provided free of charge by the manufacturers, GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever.