Metabolic benefits associated with sibutramine therapy.

Sibutramine-induced weight loss and weight maintenance lead to clinically relevant reductions in risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. Treatment with the drug decreases visceral fat, improves lipid levels, decreases glycosylated haemoglobin and decreases uric acid concentrations. Sibutramine is effective in achieving weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes but weight loss occurs more slowly than in non-diabetic patients. The criteria for predicting response to treatment in uncomplicated patients may not be appropriate to those with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it is important to set realistic goals for weight loss in type 2 diabetes to avoid the risk of denying effective treatment to patients.