Predictors of weight loss and maintenance in patients treated with antiobesity drugs

Figures & data

Table 1 Main characteristics of antiobesity medications included in the study

Drugs approved by FDA specifically for weight loss
Drug	Mechanism of action	Typical dosing	Adverse effects	Effect on weight
Orlistat^Table Footnotea,Table Footnoted,Citation9,Citation33	Limits fats absorption; pancreatic lipase inhibitor	120 mg tid	Abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, oily stools, diarrhea, decreased absorption of fat soluble vitamins Liver injury (rare)	2.9 kg placebo subtracted weight loss at 1 year
Diethylpropion^Table Footnotea,Table Footnotee,Citation9	Appetite suppressant; sympathomimetic amine	Average 75 mg/d	Dizziness, headache, insomnia, restless, increase in blood pressure, palpitations, tachycardia, gastrointestinal symptoms, rash	3.0 kg placebo-subtracted weight loss in studies ranging 6–52 weeks
Sibutramine^Table Footnoteb,Citation9,Citation33	Appetite suppressant; serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor	10–15 mg/d	Hypertension, tachycardia	4.2 kg placebo-subtracted weight loss at 1 year
Mazindol^Table Footnoteb,Citation13	Appetite suppressant; norepinephrine inhibitor. Inhibitor of gastric acids and insulin secretion	1–4 mg/d	Restlessness, hypertension, nervousness	Average 3 kg placebo subtracted weight loss in 12 week studies
Topiramate^Table Footnotec,Citation33	Weight loss mechanism unknown. Supposed monoamine-mediated appetite suppression; increase in fat metabolism and reduction in lipogenesis	90–200 mg/d	Cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy	6.5% pooled random-effects of topiramate on weight loss compared with placebo

Notes:

a Drugs approved by FDA specifically for weight loss;

b Drugs previously approved by FDA specifically for weight loss and recently withdrawn from the market;

c Drugs approved by the FDA for the other indications that exhibit weight loss promoting effects;

d Drug approved by FDA for long-term treatment;

e Drug approved by FDA for short-term treatment (12 weeks).

Table 2 Main characteristics of the patient sample and program of the considered studies

Author, year	Sample	Type of study	Program
Alberici et al^Citation77	BL: 51 p. ET: 49 p. BLCPCS: mA 44.1 ± 11.5. F 36. mBMI 24.0 ± 3.4.	Prospective study	Treatment: Topiramate was administered following slow up titration; full dosage of 100 mg/day, bid regimen, reached within 4 weeks. 4 months treatment
Ben-Menachem et al^Citation75	BL: 49 p. F 28. mA 36.2 ± 11.7. mBW 77.8 ± 16.8. mBMI 26.9 ± 5.9. ET: 38 p. F 22. mA 35.9 ± 11.5. mBW 75.8 ± 14.8. mBMI 26.3 ± 9.3.	Prospective study	Treatment: 1 year. Topiramate added to pre-existing anticonvulsant therapy. Starting dose 25 mg/day, increased biweekly in 25 or 50 mg increments to the best-tolerated dosage providing maximum seizure control mean dosage after 3 months 81 mg/day (21–154 mg/day)
Elfhag et al^Citation27	BL: 36 p. ET: 30 p. BLCPCS: F 22. mA 43 ± 12 (20–64). mBMI 40 ± 4 (33–45).	Prospective study	Run in phase: 6 weeks. Clinical trial evaluating the effect of sibutramine on food consumption in laboratory test meals. 2 weeks each of: sibutramine, placebo, and a wash out period (crossover design) Treatment: 26 weeks. Sibutramine (15 mg/day) + monthly dietary advice
Elfhag and Rossner^Citation19	BL: 36 p. F 27. mA 43 ± 12 years (20–64). mBMI 39 ± 4 (30–45). ET: 31 p.	Prospective study	Run in phase: 6 weeks. Sibutramine/placebo and wash out period Treatment: 26 weeks. 15 mg/day sibutramine and dietary advice in monthly group sessions with a dietitian
Elfhag et al^Citation35	BLCPCS: 478 p. F 301. mA 42.4 ± 12.2 (16–70). mBMI 42.4 ± 12.2 (26–68).	Retrospective analysis of patients who completed the study	1. Weight Watcher treatment (control) or 2. Sibutramine or 3. Orlistat
Fabricatore et al^Citation45	BL: 224 P. F 180. mA 43.8 ± 10.2. C 146. OE 76. Sibutramine: 55 p. Lifestyle modification: 55 p. Combined therapy: 60 p. Sibutramine + brief behavioral therapy: 54 p. ET: 185 p.	Prospective study	52 weeks treatment: 1200–1500 kcal/day diet (15% proteins, 30% fats, 55% carbohydrates) + walking + random assignment to: Sibutramine: 8 visits of 10–15 minutes with a primary care provider + pamphlet providing tips for healthy lifestyle + sibutramine 15 mg/day Lifestyle modifications: 30 group behavior modification sessions Combined therapy (a + b) Sibutramine + brief therapy: sibutramine 15 mg/day + 8 sessions of 10–15 minutes behavior therapy sessions
Finer et al^Citation29	BL: 928 p. Nondiabetic: 771 p. F 611. C 763. mA 42.4 ± 10.7. mBW 97.5 ± 15.2. mBMI 35.0 ± 4.1. Diabetic: 157 p. mA 51.4 ± 9.6. F 84. C 153. mBW 101.3 ± 17.7. mBMI 35.7 ± 5.4.	Retrospective analysis of patients included in 7 different studies	Run in phase: placebo run-in phase (3 studies); open-label sibutramine run-in phase (2 studies); very low calorie diet (1 study) Treatment: 52 weeks; random assignment to sibutramine (10 mg/day) or placebo (6 studies with fixed dose; 1 study with dose titrated depending on patient’s weight maintenance)
Frey et al^Citation50	BLCPCS: 110 p. C. F 74. A 42–48. BMI 35.3–35.4. Sibutramine group: 54 p. F 38. mA 46.8 ± 10.5. mBW 99.2 ± 14.1. mBMI 35.1 ± 4.2. Placebo group: 56 p. F 36. mA 49.3 ± 11.0. mBW 104.5 ± 15.2. mBMI 35.5 ± 3.3.	Retrospective study on a part of patients who had completed the program	54 weeks treatment: random assignment to 15 mg/day of sibutramine or placebo + behavior program (16 group sessions) + physical activity + diet (daily energy requirement minus 500 to 1000 kcal/day)
Greenway^Citation78	SIBUTRAMINE: 83 obese patients with diabetes; 2004 obese patients without diabetes. ORLISTAT: 321 obese patients with diabetes; 2404 obese patients without diabetes. MAZINDOL: 40 obese patients with diabetes; 998 obese patients without diabetes.	Retrospective comparative analysis between a study focusing on diabetic patients and an average of studies in nondiabetic patients for each type of drug	12 weeks sibutramine treatment or 52 weeks orlistat treatment or 12 weeks mazindol treatment
Grudell et a^Citation47	BL: 181 p. Placebo: 62 p. F 54. mA 41.3 ± 1.4. mBW 95.9 ± 2.1. mBMI 34.5 ± 0.6. Sibutramine 10 mg: 58 p. F 53. mA 42.2 ± 1.4. mBMI 34.8 ± 0.7. Sibutramine 15 mg: 61 p. F 54. mA 44.8 ± 1.3. mBMI 33.9 ± 0.6. ET: 158 p.	Prospective study	12 weeks treatment: behavioral therapy (LEARN manual + 1 group session of 15 minutes each week led by a psychologist) + placebo or sibutramine 10 mg/day or 15 mg/day
Hainer et al^Citation24	BL: 80 p. F. mA 43.9 ± 10.6 (18–65). mBMI 36.7 ± 4.8 (30–45). 1st phase: sibutramine 38 p. Placebo 42 p. 2nd phase: 80 p. ET: 67 p.	Prospective study	1st phase: 4 months; random assignment to sibutramine 10 mg/day or placebo 2nd phase: 8 months; sibutramine + 5–6 MJ/day diet (50%–60% carbohydrates; 15%–20% proteins; 25%–30% fat) + physical activity + food diary records
Hansen et al^Citation46	BL: 605 p. BMI 30–45; 18–65 yr Completers of the 1st phase: 505 p. mA 40.4 ± 10.4. mBW 102.5 ± 15.3. mBMI 36.7 ± 4.1. Enrolled in the 2nd phase: 467 p. 352 sibutramine. 115 placebo. ET: 263 p.	Prospective study	1st phase: 6 months; sibutramine (10 mg/day) and LCD (patient’s estimated daily energy expenditure minus 600 kcal/day. 45%–50% carbohydrates; 30% fats; 15%–20% proteins) 2nd phase: 18 months; random assignment for patients who achieved ≥5% of weight loss to sibutramine 10 mg/day (352 p) or placebo (115 p)
Hauner et al^Citation53	BL: 348 p. BMI 30–40; 18–65 yr. Sibutramine: 174 p. F 136. mA 44.5 ± 1.2. mBW 100.2 ± 1.9. mBMI 35.6 ± 0.6. Placebo: 174 p. F 123. mA 47.3 ± 1.3. mBW 105.4 ± 2.0. mBMI 35.7 ± 0.5.	Retrospective analysis of patients included in the study	54 weeks treatment: 20 group sessions and prescription of a diet (500/1000 kcal minus of the daily required energy expenditure) + physical activity + sibutramine or placebo (random assignment) 2 years follow up
Hsiao et al^Citation54	BL: 131 p. Sibutramine: 87 p. Placebo 44 p. ET: 118 p. BLCPCS: Sibutramine 82 p. F 41. mA 31.7 ± 4.9. mBW Placebo 37 p. F 17. mA 31.1 ± 5.8. mBW 83.8 ± 15.0. mBMI 29.8 ± 3.4.	Prospective study	12 weeks treatment: sibutramine 10 mg/day or placebo
Hsiao et al^Citation57	BL: 131 p. Sibutramine: 87 p. Placebo 44 p. ET: 118 p. BLCPCS: Sibutramine 82 p. F 41. mA 31.7 ± 4.9. mBW Placebo 37 p. F 17. mA 31.1 ± 5.8. mBW 83.8 ± 15.0. mBMI 29.8 ± 3.4.	Prospective study	12 weeks treatment: sibutramine 10 mg/day or placebo
Klein et al^Citation76	BL: 26 p. ET: 22 p. F 13. BLCPCS: mA 41.5. mBMI 28.0 ± 6.6. mBW 80.3 ± 19.3.	Prospective study	6 months treatment: topiramate
LLoret-Linares et al^Citation37	BL: Sibutramine (3 studies): 115–467 p. F 76%–84%. mA 40.4–43.3. mBMI 32.4–37.9. Orlistat (12 studies): 422–3277 p. F 55%–87%. mA 40–53. mBMI 34.7–37.4. Rimonabant (4 studies): 688–1826 p.	Retrospective comparative analysis between studies considering nondiabetic and diabetic subjects for each type of drug	Sibutramine: 10 or 20 mg once a day for 52 or 104 weeks or Orlistat: 120 mg three times a day for 52/76/104/208 weeks or Rimonabant: 20 mg daily for 52 or 104 weeks. All trials combined pharmacological therapy with a reduced-calorie diet
Malone and Alger-Maye^Citation40	BL: 30 p. F 26. mA 43.8 ± 9.7. mBW 127 ± 34. mBMI 45.5 ± 11.8. Intervention group: 15 p. F 14. mA 44.9 ± 10.5. BW 130 ± 39. BMI 48.3 ± 14.6. Control group: F 12. mA 42.8 ± 9. BW 124 ± 30. BMI 42.8 ± 8.1. ET: 9 p. Intervention group: 7 p. Control: 2 p.	Prospective study	Patients randomly assigned to the group followed by a community pharmacist (trained and educated for 1 day to support clients during weight loss treatment with orlistat) or to the group not followed by a pharmacist and followed for 26 weeks
Norris et al^Citation30	BL: 31 studies. mA 48–66. F 50%. Fluoxetine (6 studies): 296 p (total number). Orlistat (8 studies): 2036 p (total number). Sibutramine (8 studies): 1047 p (total number). Cimetidine 1 study. Diethylpropion (3 studies): 40–58 p (single study). Mazindol (3 studies); 10–64 p (single study). Phentermine (2 studies).	Meta-analysis of studies considering nondiabetic and diabetic subjects for each type of drug	Run-in period: 1–5 weeks in most studies; placebo + dietary counseling Treatment: Fluoxetine: 8 to 52 weeks or Orlistat: 12 to 57 weeks or Sibutramine: 12 to 52 weeks or Cimetidine: 12 weeks Dyethylpropion: 8 to 40 weeks or Mazindol: 6 to 12 weeks or Phentermine: 16 to 26 weeks
Peters et al^Citation25	BL: 149 p. F. mA 54 ± 5.78 (45–65). mBW 103.41 ± 20.65 (68.03–175.54). mBMI 40.10 ± 8.01 (30–76). FU: 74 p.	Prospective study	6 months treatment: sibutramine 15 mg/day + 1 hour/month behavior modification seminar + daily exercise
Rissanen et al^Citation26	BLCPCS: 220 p. F 178. A 42–49. BW 90.3–101.9. BMI 32.7–36.1.	Retrospective analysis of patients who completed the treatment in two different studies	Run in phase: 4 weeks; hypocaloric diet (30% fat; 500 kcal/day energy deficit) + placebo Treatment: 2 years; random assignment to: 120 mg/day orlistat or placebo + diet
Risser et al^Citation63	BL: PAR1: 22 p. F 90.9%. mA 4 9.9 ± 12. mBMI 39.3 ± 7. Non-PAR: 47 p. F 78.7%. mA 47.1 ± 10. mBMI 37.1 ± 6.12.	Retrospective analysis	1st phase: 8 weeks; 800–1220 kcal/day diet + 24-hour food diary + visits (first 10 weeks: 2–5 days/week) + sibutramine 15 g/daily (flexible doses adjusted depending on patient) 2nd phase: 40 weeks; weight maintenance through well-balanced meals and regular exercise + sibutramine 15 mg/day (flexible doses adjusted depending on patient)
Rodin et al^Citation41	BL: 204 p. Clinic 1: 144 p. F 129. A 18–59. BW 28%–199% overweight. Clinic 2: 60 p. F 60. A 18–54. BW 17%–183% overweight. ET: clinic 1: 33 p. Clinic 2: 56 p.	Prospective study	Clinic 1: 14 weeks (8 weeks treatment): random assignment to 4 groups: behavior modification treatment, diethylpropion 65 mg/day, mazindol 2 mg/day, placebo Clinic 2: 10 weeks; (9 weeks treatment): behavior therapy for all patients + random assignment to two different formulations of mazindol or placebo
Shimizu and Mori^Citation66 Shimizu et al^Citation67	BL: 24 p. Trp64Trp: 16 p. Trp64Arg: 8 p. BMI > 35 kg/m^2. BL: 41 p. F 25. BMI > 35.	Prospective study	12 weeks treatment: mazindol (starting dose 0.5 mg/day. Increments of 0.5 mg/day every 2 weeks up to 1.5 mg/day at week 6 and then continued until week 12)
Tankova et al^Citation59	BL: 173 p. Diabetic patients: 83 p. Sibutramine group: 44 p. F 27. mA 45.2 ± 5.2. mBMI 33.6 ± 2.2. Control group: 39 p. F 24. mA 44.8 ± 6.1. mBMI 33.9 ± 2.8. Nondiabetic patient: 90 p. Sibutramine group: 49 p. F 32. mA 41.9 ± 5.7. mBMI 34.3 ± 2.6. Control group: 41 p. F 27. mA 44.6 ± 6.0. mBMI 33.9 ± 2.2.	Prospective study	3 months treatment: hypocaloric diet (600 kcal/day deficit on the estimated total daily energy expenditure. <30% fat, 15% protein, 55%–60% carbohydrates) +30 minutes walking/day + random assignment to sibutramine once daily or placebo. First month dosage of sibutramine was 10 mg/day replaced by 15 mg/day in case of no change in body weight
Toplak et al^Citation38	BL: 430 p. BMI 30–43; 18–70 yr; BW ≥90, waist circumference ≥88 cm (F) or ≥102 cm (M). Orlistat + 500 kcal/day diet: 215 p. F 168. mA 41.3 ± 11.0. mBW 103.4 ± 11.2. mBMI 37.3 ± 3.4. Orlistat + 1000 kcal/day diet: 215 p. F 166. mA 41.1 ± 12.1. mBW 104.7 ± 12.8. mBMI 37.4 ± 3.6. ET: 264 p.	Prospective study	1 year treatment: orlistat 120 mg 3 times/day + dietary counseling + daily food diary + random assignment to a diet (50% carbohydrates, 30% fat, 20% protein) of 500 or 1000 kcal/day deficit Patients who achieved a 5% weight loss at both months 3 and 6 (295 p) were allowed to continue the study until month 12
Theisen et al^Citation74	BL: 26 p. F 10. mA 37.4 ± 10.3 (20.7–65.3). M mBMI 28.1 ± 6.4. F mBMI 22.5 ± 3.5. ET: 18 p.	Prospective study	25 weeks treatment with topiramate added to existing anticonvulsant therapy (carbamazepine 12 p; carmanazepine + valproate 3 p; carbamazepine + lamotrigine 3 p; carbamazepine + valproate + lamotrigine 3 p; carbamazepine + valproate + phenobarbital 1 p; carbamazepine + phenobarbital 1 p; carbamazepine + phenytoin 1 p; phenytoin + phenobarbital 1 p; phenytoin + lamotrigine + phenobarbital 1 p)
Ullrich et al^Citation31	BL: 261 p. F 214. mA 41.4 ± 9.8. mBMI 36.8 ± 4.2. Sibutramine group: 204 p. F 168. mA 41.4 ± 9.7. mBMI 36.6 ± 4.2. Placebo group: 57 p. F 46. mA 41.3 ± 10.0. mBMI 37.1 ± 3.8.	Retrospective analysis of people who completed the study	Run in phase: 4 weeks; hypocaloric diet (600 kcal/day deficit on patient’s estimated basal metabolic rate. ≤30% fat; protein and carbohydrate ad libitum) + placebo (3 times/day with meals) Treatment: 72 weeks; orlistat (120 mg × 3/day). 4-day food diary at weeks −4, −2, 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 64. Group weight management program sessions (one each 4 weeks)
Van Baak et al^Citation48	BL: 605 p. BMI 30–45; 17–65 yr. After 6 mo run in phase: 467 p. ET: 261 p. F 214. mA 41.4 ± 9.8. BMI 36.8 ± 4.2.	Prospective study	1st phase: 6 months; sibutramine (10 mg/day) and LCD (patient’s estimated daily energy expenditure minus 600 kcal/day. 45%–50% carbohydrates; 30% fats; 15%–20% proteins) 2nd phase: 18 months; random assignment for patients who achieved ≥5% of weight loss to sibutramine 10 mg/day (352 p) or placebo (115 p). Dietary advice and one meeting with a dietician a month
Vazquez Roque et al^Citation44	BL: 48 p. Sibutramine 25 p. Placebo 23 p. Overweight: 24 p. mA 36.7 ± 1.7. F 17. C 87.5%. mBW 79.6 ± 1.6. mBMI 27.9 ± 0.3. Obese: 24 p. mA 44.2 ± 2.6. F 13. C 95.8%. mBW 98.2 ± 2.7. mBMI 34.8 ± 0.7. ET: 43 p. Sibutramine 22 p. Placebo 21 p.	Prospective study	12 weeks treatment: LEARN manual (self-help behavioral manual for weight loss) + 10–15 minutes behavior therapy sessions (one every 4 weeks) + random assignment to sibutramine 15 mg/day or placebo
Womble et al^Citation65	BL: Group 1: 59 p. F 31. M: mA 50.21 ± 7.39; mBMI 39.94 ± 5.99. F: mA 45.72 ± 9.2. mBMI 40.34 ± 8.20. Group 2: 32 p taken from group 1. F 15. ET group 1: 59 p. Group 2: 32 p.	Prospective study	6 months treatment for group 1; 12 months treatment for group 2 For both groups, random assignment to: Fenfluramine + mazindol (6 months; 29 p. 12 months; 18 p) or Fenfluramine + phentermine (6 months; 25 p. 12 months; 11 p) or Caffeine + ephedrine (6 months; 2 p. 12 months, 1 p) or Mazindol (6 months, 3 p. 12 months, 2 p)

Notes:

1 Cases: patients who had received a prescription for sibutramine in response to priori authorization through their health care insurer (PAR). Controls: subjects who did not receive reimbursement, although they were prescribed, sibutramine (non-PAR).

Abbreviations: BL, sample characteristics at base line; BMI, body mass index (kg/m²); BLCPCS, baseline characteristics of people who completed the study; BW, body weight; C, Caucasians; F, number of female patients; ET, sample characteristics at the end of the program; mA, mean age; mBMI, mean body mass index (kg/m²); mBW, mean body weight; OE, other ethnicity; p, number of patients; yr, years old; LCD, low-calorie diet.

Table 3 Predictors of weight loss and maintenance in patients treated with orlistat

	Author, year	Predictors
Demographic and anthropometric factors	Elfhag et al^Citation35	PPWL: male gender
Psychological factors and eating behaviors	Elfhag et al^Citation35	PPWL: high levels of order and deliberation (conscientiousness). High levels of self-discipline and conscientiousness ntPWL: high levels of eating restraint, neuroticism, anxiety, and depression
Initial weight loss in the lead-in period and under treatment	Rissanen et al^Citation26	PPWL: Weight loss ≥2.5 kg during 4 weeks lead-in period; weight loss ≥5% body weight after 12 weeks treatment; ≥10% body weight after 6 months
	Toplak et al^Citation38	PPWL: ≥5% weight loss at 3 and 6 months
Associated medical, dietetic, and environmental factors	Malone and Alger-Mayer^Citation40	ntPWL: pharmacist’s support
	Toplak et al^Citation38	ntPWL: 500 kc/day diet vs 1000 kcal/day diet
	Ullrich et al^Citation31	PPWL: low fat and carbohydrate intake

Abbreviations: NPWL, negative predictor of weight loss; NPWM, negative predictor of weight maintenance; ntPWL, not predictor of weight loss; ntPWM, not predictor of weight maintenance; PPWL, positive predictor of weight loss; PPWM, positive predictor of weight maintenance.

Table 4 Predictors of weight loss and maintenance in patients treated with sibutramine

	Author, year	Predictors
Psychosocial factors and eating behaviors	Elfhag et al^Citation27	PPWL: high deviating levels of demand states (hunger); high levels of dependency orientation and oral traits. Self-inspective ability ntPWL: levels of anxiety, depression, bodily concern; eating disorders; affective response to external stimuli
	Elfhag and Rossnerl^Citation19	PPWL: unrestrained eating (less cognitive control and conscious determination to resist from eating, less strategic dieting) ntPWL: hunger and disinhibition score; depressive features
	Elfhag et al^Citation35	PPWL: unrestrained eating (emotional and external eating); high levels of neuroticism, anxiety and depression. High levels of self-consciousness and hostility^Citation2
	Fabricatore et al^Citation45	NPWL: depressive symptoms
	Hainer et al^Citation24	NPWL: high dietary restraint at baseline; high initial depression score PPWL: increase in dietary restraint during first months of treatment PPWM: decrease in disinhibition scores
Demographic and anthropometric factors	Elfhag et al^Citation27	ntPWL: age; gender; pretreatment body weight
	Elfhag et al^Citation35	PPWL: young age
	Fabricatore et al^Citation45	PPWL: Caucasian ethnicity ntPWL: age
	Hansen et al^Citation46	PPWL: high baseline body weight (high resting metabolic rate) ntPWL: age; gender
Familial obesity and personal weight history	Elfhag et al^Citation27	NP: familial history of obesity; being obese during all adulthood
	Fabricatore et al^Citation45	PPWL: having been overweight for a long time
	Hansen et al^Citation46	ntPWL: age of obesity onset; number of previous slimming attempts
Initial weight loss in the run in period and under treatment	Elfhag et al^Citation27	PPWL: great initial weight loss
	Fabricatore et al^Citation45	PPWL: early adherence and weight loss
	Finer et al^Citation29	PPWL: high early weight loss (≥4 kg at 3 months)
	Hainer et al^Citation24	PPWL: high initial weight loss
	Hansen et al^Citation46	PPWL: high initial weight loss in the run-in period; high initial weight loss under treatment ntPWL: number of previous slimming attempts; age of onset of obesity
	van Baak et al^Citation48	PPWM: high initial weight loss
	Grudell et al^Citation47	PPWL: high initial (4 weeks) weight loss
Genetic factors	Frey et al^Citation50	PPWL: A allele carriers position −1211 of GNAS gene promoter
	Grudell et al^Citation47	PPWL: gene pairs 5HTTLPR LS/SS and GNβ3 GNβ3 rs5443 TC/TT; α2A CC and GNβ3 rs5443 TC/TT
	Hauner et al^Citation53	PPWL and PPWM: CC genotype of GNβ3 rs5443
	Hsiao et al^Citation54	PPWL: T allele carriers (TT or TC genotype) of GNβ3 rs5443
	Hsiao et al^Citation57	PPWL: −866 A polymorphism of UCP2; association between −866A polymorphism of UCP2 and rs5443 T polymorphism of GNβ3
	Peters et al^Citation25	PPWL: homozygous A148A or G148G polymorphism of PNMT
	Vazquez Roque et al^Citation44	PPWL: LS/SS genotype of SLC6A4 ntPWL: α2A-1291 C/G; PNMT G148A polymorphism; GNβ3 genotypes
Associated pathologies, habits, nutritional, and environmental factors	Fabricatore et al^Citation45	PPWL: combined therapy (sibutramine + behavioral therapy) ntPWL: distance from clinic
	Finer et al^Citation29	NPWL: diabetes
	Greenway^Citation78	NPWL: diabetes
	Hainer et al^Citation24	PPWM: increase in protein intake; decrease in fat intake ntPWM: 8 or 12 months of treatment
	Hansen et al^Citation46	ntPWL: smoking history
	LLoret-Linares et al^Citation37	NPWL: diabetes
	Norris et al^Citation30	NPWL: diabetes
	Peters et al^Citation25	ntPWL: postmenopausal state, hysterectomy, hormone replacement. Fiber intake, total caloric intake, total fat intake
	Risser et al^Citation63	PPWL: priori authorization to have sibutramine as a prescription partially reimbursed (PAR)
	Tankova et al^Citation59	NPWL: diabetes
	van Baak et al^Citation48	PPWM: high levels of leisure-time physical activity ntPWM: macronutrient composition of the diet during weight maintenance period

Abbreviations: NPWL, negative predictor of weight loss; NPWM, negative predictor of weight maintenance; ntPWL, not predictor of weight loss; ntPWM, not predictor of weight maintenance; PPWL, positive predictor of weight loss; PPWM, positive predictor of weight maintenance.

Table 5 Predictors of weight loss and maintenance in patients treated with mazindol

	Author, year	Predictors
Psychosocial factors and eating behaviors	Rodin et al^Citation41	PPWL: high levels of social conformity; belief that poor eating habits are crucial in producing obesity
		NPWL: high levels of responsiveness to external, non-food relevant stimuli; belief that hereditary or physical factors are causes of primary importance in producing overweight
		ntPWL: self-esteem and self-concept; emotional stability; extraversion; internal locus of control.
	Womble et al^Citation65	NPWL: high levels of dietary restraint, perceived hunger and trait anxiety; small perceived body size
Genetic predictors	Shimizu and Mori^Citation66	NPWL: Trp64Arg mutation of GNβ3 gene (vs Trp64Trp)
	Shimizu et al^Citation67

Abbreviations: NPWL, negative predictor of weight loss; NPWM, negative predictor of weight maintenance; ntPWL, not predictor of weight loss; ntPWM, not predictor of weight maintenance; PPWL, positive predictor of weight loss; PPWM, positive predictor of weight maintenance.

Table 6 Predictors of weight loss and maintenance in patients treated with topiramate

	Author, year	Predictors
Demographic and anthropometric factors	Alberici et al^Citation77	ntPWL: gender; initial BMI
	Theisen et al^Citation74	PPWL: high initial BMI
	Ben-Menachem et al^Citation75	PPWL: high initial BMI
	Klein et al^Citation76	PPWL: high initial BMI and body fat
Eating behavior	Klein et al^Citation76	PPWL: reduction in hunger at 3 months

Abbreviations: ntPWL, not predictor of weight loss; PPWL, positive predictor of weight loss.

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