The Effect of Betahistine on Body Weight and Waist Circumference in Obese Adults in Comparison with Orlistat

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic disease in which excess body fat has accumulated and it may affect the health. People who are overweight or obese, compared to those with a healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases. Two classes of drugs are used in treating obesity: anorexiants and lipase inhibitors. Phentermine and Amfepramone (anorexiants) are indicated for short-term treatment of obesity while orlistat (lipase inhibitors) is approved for long-term treatment, up to 4 years of use.Aim of the Study: The study was designed to assess the effect of betahistine in lowering the body weight and/or decreasing waist circumference. Patients and Methods: The study sample included 60 patients with established overweight or obesity and were divided randomly into 2 groups, 30 patients per group and the body weight and waist circumference were measured every 10 days for 30 days. Each patient was informed about the treatment.Results: In betahistine treatment group, there was a highly significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference after 10, 20 and 30 days compared to baseline levels (P< 0.01). In multiple comparisons among orlistat and betahistine groups, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in body weight and waist circumference after 10, 20 and 30 days of treatment.Conclusions: Each of orlistat and betahistine exert a reduction effect on body weight and waist circumference. The present study reveals that there are no significant differences between orlistat and betahistine in reducing the body weight and waist circumference