Evaluating success of weight loss programs, with an application to fluoxetine weight reduction clinical trial data

We modified criteria for judging successful obesity treatment proposed by Atkinson to provide objective criteria for successful benefit from weight reduction programs with respect to data from a clinical trial. The criteria include assessments of changes in both weight-related factors (e.g. excess weight, excess body fat) and obesity-related risk factors (e.g. hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia). To demonstrate the use of this methodology, we applied the criteria in an analysis of eight randomized, double-blind controlled trials comparing fluoxetine (n = 522) with placebo (n = 504) for weight loss. The results suggest these criteria can be useful for evaluating a treatment program or for comparing treatments from clinical trials.