Zonisamide for weight loss in obese adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Evaluated the efficacy of zonisamide for weight loss in 60 obese adults (aged 21-50 yrs). The authors conducted a 16-wk randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an optional single-blind extension of the same treatment for another 16 wks. Ss were randomly assigned to receive zonisamide or placebo. All Ss were prescribed a balanced hypocaloric diet and compliance was monitored with self-rated food diaries. The main outcome measure was change in body weight. Of the 60 randomized Ss, 51 completed the 16-wk acute phase. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the zonisamide group lost more body weight than the placebo group during the 16-wk period. A longitudinal mixed-model regression for weight change controlling for age, race, sex, body mass index, and percent body fat estimated that the zonisamide treatment over the 16-wk study duration was associated with significantly greater weight loss than was placebo. 17 (57%) of the 30 in the zonisamide group and 3 (10%) of the 30 in the placebo group lost at least 5% of body weight by week 16. Zonisamide was tolerated well, with few adverse effects. It is concluded that zonisamide and hypocaloric diet resulted in more weight loss than placebo and hypocaloric diet in the treatment of obesity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)