Authors
Astrup A. Breum L. Toubro S.
Institution
Research Department of Human Nutrition, RVAU, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Title
Pharmacological and clinical studies of ephedrine and other
thermogenic agonists. [Review] [12 refs]
Source
Obesity Research. 3 Suppl 4:537S-540S, 1995 Nov.
Abstract
When given as a supplement to an energy restricted diet the sympathomimetic
agent ephedrine, in combination with methylxanthines such as
caffeine, improves fat loss by dual actions: a central
suppression of appetite and peripheral stimulation of energy expenditure
covered by fat oxidation. Mean weight loss was found to be 16.6 kg after 6
months when E+C was given as an adjuvant to an efficient hypoenergetic diet,
which was 3.4 kg higher than in the placebo group. An additional 24 weeks
treatment with E+C prevented relapse. In the first weeks of treatment E+C
offset the hypotensive effect of energy restriction and weight loss, but the
effect was transient, and after 8 weeks blood pressures were
indistinguishable from those of the placebo group. E+C has no adverse effect
on glucose and lipid metabolism, but has been shown to prevent the decline in
HDL-cholesterol caused by weight loss. In a comparative trial the weight loss
produced by E+C was similar to that of dexfenfluramine. More research on
sympathomimetics and methylxanthines should be carried out to identify
combinations with improved efficiency and safety. Moreover, more long-term
trials and studies in males are required. [References: 12]