Hormonal
The combination of naltrexone sustained-release and bupropion sustained-release (Contrave) produces a moderate, placebo-subtracted weight loss of approximately 4.5% in adults with obesity, achieved through synergistic modulation of central appetite and satiety pathways.
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is a prescription medication that helps adults with obesity lose about 4.5% more body weight than placebo over several months. It works by targeting brain pathways that control hunger and the pleasure of eating. While effective, it can cause side effects like nausea, so doctors usually start with a low dose and increase it slowly. It is generally used alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
We conclude from the current published reports that its effectiveness in the treatment of obesity can be estimated as a placebo-subtracted weight loss of around 4.5%. This weight reduction is moderate but similar to other antiobesity drugs.
Why this rating
Based on multiple Phase II and III randomized controlled trials (COR-I, COR-II, COR-BMOD) with large sample sizes, though long-term cardiovascular safety data was pending at publication.
Source
Naltrexone sustained-release/bupropion sustained-release for the management of obesity: review of the data to date
Assumpta Caixàs et al. · Drug Design Development and Therapy · 2014
DOI 10.2147/dddt.s55587
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