Fluoxetine treatment for weight reduction in steroid-induced obesity: a pilot study in myasthenia gravis patients

To evaluate the weight reducing effect of fluoxetine on steroid-induced obe sity, we conducted an open, clinical intervention study of 20-40 mg/day flu oxetine, 24 weeks duration. Thirteen myasthenia gravis, overweight, long-te rm steroid-treated patients [age: 31-59, body mass index (BMI): 29-54 kg/m( 2)] were included. Measurements of weight, BMI, and routine laboratory test s, were undertaken at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Muscle strength and fatigu e parameters were assessed at 4 week intervals. Fluoxetine induced mean wei ght loss of 7.7+/-2.6 kg and 10.3+/-2.9 kg over a period of 12 and 24 weeks respectively, (P<0.05). Mean BMI decreased from 35.8 to 32.2 kg/m(2) over the study period. No significant side effects were noted. We conclude that patients suffering from steroid-induced obesity respond to fluoxetine treat ment of overweight by significant weight loss. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B. V./ECNP. All rights reserved.