(September 1, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

Individuals with a history of heart disease may be at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke if they take the weight loss drug sibutramine, commonly known as Meridia, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Your weight and health risk can be determined by measuring three key factors:

•    Body mass index, or BMI, which is based on your height and weight

•    Your waist circumference

•    The presence of other risk factors and conditions associated with obesity, such as diabetes

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine randomly assigned nearly 10,000 individuals aged 55 and older to receive sibutramine or a placebo. All of the participants had a history of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes with at least one other cardiovascular risk factor, or both. The trial started with a 6-week test period in which those whose blood pressures or heart rates increased while taking the drug were excluded from the trial. All participants engaged in an individualized diet and exercise program.

During the initial 6-week test period, participants lost an average of 2.6 kg. During the rest of the treatment period, which lasted, on average, nearly three-and-a-half years, those taking sibutramine lost an additional 1.7kg and kept the weight off. Those taking the drug were slightly more likely to have a cardiovascular event than those on placebo, however. While nonfatal heart attacks and strokes occurred slightly more commonly among those taking sibutramine than those taking placebo, there was no difference between the two groups with respect to death rates from cardiovascular or other causes.

Today’s research suggests that sibutramine may not be a safe treatment option for individuals with cardiovascular disease, even though it can help them lose weight. Do not make any changes to your prescribed medications without first consulting your physician.