(October 23, 2009 - Insidermedicine)

A new drug used to treat type 2 diabetes known as liraglutide helps obese patients without diabetes lose weight better than the weight-loss drug orlistat. It also helps reduce blood pressure and stave off diabetes. These are the main findings of a study published online ahead of print in The Lancet.

Some common health problems associated with being obese are:

•    Cardiovascular disease

•    Diabetes

•    Certain cancers, including endometrial, breast, and colon cancers

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen randomly assigned over 500 obese patients to be treated with one of four doses of liraglutide or a placebo administered via daily injection. A sixth group of patients received the weight loss drug orlistat via pills taken three times a day. All of the participants also followed a calorie-restricted diet and increased their level of physical activity throughout the 20-week study.

Individuals taking liraglutide at any dose lost more weight than those on placebo, and those taking one of the two highest doses of the drug lost more weight than those taking orlistat. In addition, more patients on the highest dose of liraglutide lost 5% or more of their body weight, compared with those on placebo or orlistat. No matter what the dose, liraglutide therapy was associated with a lowering of blood pressure, and those taking any of the top three doses were also less likely to develop a prediabetic condition in which the body exhibits impaired tolerance to sugar.

Today's research highlights the potential for liraglutide to work synergistically with diet and exercise to help obese individuals lose weight as well as to improve overall health.