Mixed
Behavioral interventions (diet, exercise, or lifestyle) and pharmacologic interventions (orlistat or metformin) combined with behavioral strategies both result in clinically significant weight loss and reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes in overweight and obese adults.
For adults with overweight or obesity, combining dietary changes with increased physical activity is effective for weight loss. Adding orlistat or metformin to this behavioral plan can enhance weight loss and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly in those with prediabetes. While exercise alone may not be sufficient for significant weight loss, combining it with diet is beneficial. Be aware that orlistat can cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, which often subside.
There is moderate quality evidence that behavioural and pharmacologic plus behavioural treatments for overweight and obesity in adults lead to clinically important reductions in weight and incidence of type 2 diabetes in prediabetic populations.
Why this rating
Moderate quality evidence per GRADE framework, downgraded for risk of bias and heterogeneity.
Source
Treatment for overweight and obesity in adult populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Leslea Peirson et al. · CMAJ Open · 2014
DOI 10.9778/cmajo.20140012
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