Effect of Lorcaserin Alone and in Combination with Phentermine on Food Cravings After 12-Week Treatment: A Randomized Substudy.

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of lorcaserin 10mg twice daily (LOR BID) or with phentermine, 15mg/day (LOR BID+PHEN QD) and 15mg twice daily (LOR BID+PHEN BID) in conjunction with energy restriction, on food cravings.Methods235 patients without diabetes, but with obesity or overweight and ≥1 comorbidity received (LOR BID), (LOR BID+PHEN QD), or (LOR BID+PHEN BID) for 12 weeks, in a randomized double-blind study. The Food Craving Inventory (FCI) and the Control of Eating Questionnaire (COEQ) were administered over 12 weeks.ResultsThe FCI total score and the subscale scores reduced from baseline in all groups. The least squares means (95% confidence intervals) for the total scores were −0.65 (−0.75, −0.55), −0.75 (−0.84, −0.65), and −0.84 (−0.95, −0.74) in the LOR BID, LOR BID+PHEN QD, and LOR BID+PHEN BID groups, respectively. Cravings assessed by COEQ reduced from baseline in all groups. In general, the combination treatments were more effective than lorcaserin alone. At week 12, except for fruit juice and dairy products, general and specific cravings reduced in LOR BID+PHEN BID compared to LOR BID (p<0.05).ConclusionsLorcaserin in combination with phentermine improves control of food cravings during short-term energy restriction.