Effect of dexfenfluramine on energy expenditure in obese patients on a very-low-calorie-diet.

AIM

To investigate the effect of dexfenfluramine (dF) on Energy Expenditure (EE).

DESIGN

20 obese females were studied in a double-blind design. Pre-diet and at 14 and 28 days of VLCD and dF treatment (30 mg/d) or placebo, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), 3 h-Thermic Effect of Food (3 h-TEF) and body composition were determined. EE and body composition were measured by indirect calorimetry and bioelectrical impedance, respectively.

RESULTS

No differences between groups were observed in relation to weight loss, body composition changes or RMR. At 3 h postprandial, the EE was still elevated in both groups. No changes on TEF were observed in the placebo group during VLCD. In contrast, TEF decreased in dF group during VLCD (P < 0.05). No significant differences in TEF at the end of the study were observed between groups.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that dF modifies 3 h-TEF but not RMR in obese patients during VLCD administration.