| Sumario: | Objective: The effects of ceasing anti-obesity drugs on anthropometric profile and cardiovascular risk have not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the effects of orlistat and sibutramine cessation after a 9 months weight loss programme on anthropometric profile and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: 36 obese subjects who had undergone a 9 months weight loss programme with orlistat and sibutramine were followed up 4 months after ceasing the anti-obesity drugs. 18 subjects received 120 mg orlistat three times daily and 18 were on 10-15 mg sibutramine daily. Anthropometric and metabolic profiles, fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood pressure, systemic arterial stiffness (quantified as central augmentation index) and energy expenditure were measured during 9 months treatment and 4 months after ceasing anti-obesity drugs. Results: After cessation, there were significant increases in body weight (80.25 vs 77.40 kg), BMI (32.76 vs 31.56 kg/nf), waist circumference (93.03 vs 91.44 cm), body fat percentage (38.36 vs 37.52%), visceral fat percentage (15.39 vs 13.85%), triglyceride levels (1.32 vs 1.13 mmol/l), fasting blood sugar (4.76 vs 4.51 mmol/1) and systemic arterial stiffness (21.93 vs 19.77%). The magnitude of weight regain was smaller to that lost during orlistat treatment, but was higher in sibutramine-treated group. Conclusion: Orlistat and sibutramine cessation produced weight regain and increased certain obesity indices as early as 4 months after cessation. Continuous rigorous follow up and reinforcement is needed to ensure weight regain is prevented or minimized to maintain beneficial effects achieved with anti-obesity drug treatment.
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