Evaluating success of weight loss programs, with an application to fluoxetine weight reduction clinical trial data
Sayler, M.E.; Goldstein, D.J.; Roback, P.J.; Atkinson, R.L.
International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 18(11): 742-751
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0307-0565 PMID: 7866474 Document Number: 433332
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.