Sibutramine treatment in obesity: initial eating behaviour in relation to weight loss results and changes in mood

The aim of the study was to study the role of initial eating behaviour for subsequent weight loss in treatment with sibutramine (Reductil, Meridia) an anti-obesity drug enhancing satiety, and also to assess changes in mood during the treatment. The participants were 36 obese patients with a mean BMI of 39 kg m(-2). Eating behaviour was assessed with the three factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ), and depressive features with the comprehensive psychopathological rating scale (CPRS). Sibutramine (15 mg) was administered daily. The TFEQ restraint scale was negatively related to 6 months weight loss. In particular, strategic dieting behaviour and a more controlled attitude towards self-regulation were negatively related to weight loss. A positive non-placebo controlled change in mood was found already after 2 months treatment. The changes in mood were not related to the weight loss. Patients with more unrestrained eating seem to have reduced their amount of food intake more radically with enhanced satiety, manifested by greater weight loss. Physiologically enhanced satiety could have the greatest weight loss effect for patients whose eating is more governed by hunger drives and appetite rather that by conscious efforts and cognitive control.