Takeaway
- Lorcaserin (Belviq) leads to improved lipid profiles and Fatty Liver Index (FLI) scores in people with obesity, in addition to its effects on central adiposity.
- Results suggest potential for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction with this drug.
Why this matters
- Lorcaserin is a serotonin receptor agonist that promotes weight loss, in addition to its beneficial effects in type 2 diabetes.
- This study points to potential for benefits in CVD risk reduction and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Key results
- With lorcaserin vs placebo:
- Fat mass (P<.001>, FLI (P<.0001>), and energy intake (P<.03>) all decreased.
- Total cholesterol decreased (P<.04>
- Total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased (P<.04>
- Small LDL decreased (P<.01>
- High-density lipoprotein increased (P<.01>
Study design
- 6-month randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial, 48 participants with obesity.
- Lorcaserin group had greater BMI (P<.001 so adjustment for baseline bmi made.>
- Funding: Drug from Arena Pharmaceuticals GmbH; Eisai, Inc.; Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center; NIH.
Limitations
- Small population, low retention rate, BMI difference between groups.
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