BROMOCRIPTINE (ERGOSET) REDUCES BODY-WEIGHT AND IMPROVES GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE IN OBESE SUBJECTS

OBJECTIVE - A double-blind placebo controlled study investigated long- term effects oi Ergoset, anew quick release formulation of bromocripti ne, on body weight, body fat, and glucose tolerance in a group (n = 17 ) of obese subjects who were instructed to follow a moderate hypocalor ic diet. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Obese individuals (>25% body fa t for men and >30% body fat for women) were instructed to follow a cal orie-restricted diet (70% of weight maintaining based on study entry w eight) and were randomized to daily treatment with Ergoset (1.6-2.4 mg /day) or placebo at 0800 over an 18-week treatment period. Oral glucos e tolerance tests were performed on subjects before initiation and aga in at termination oi treatment. Body weight and body fat (determined b y skinfold measurements) were quantified every 2 weeks during the cour se oi treatment. RESULTS - Ergoset treatment for 18 weeks significantl y reduced body weight and body far versus placebo (6.3 +/- 1.5 and 5.4 +/- 1.1 kg vs. 0.9 +/- 1.0 and 1.5 +/- 0.6 kg, respectively, P < 0.01 ). Ergoset, but not placebo, also improved glucose tolerance (P < 0.02 ); the stimulated area under the oral glucose tolerance curve was redu ced by 46% (from 121 +/- 23 to 64 +/- 32 mg . h(-1). dl(-1)), while th e stimulated area under the insulin curve was reduced by 30%. CONCLUSI ONS - When combined with instruction to follow a moderate hypocaloric diet, Ergoset, but not placebo, improves glucose tolerance and promote s significant weight and body fat loss in obese subjects over an 18-we ek treatment period.