Contrave is a combination weight loss drug that includes both bupropion, a drug used to treat depression and reduce nicotine cravings, and naltrexone, a drug used to treat some addictive behaviors. The lukewarm backing of the FDA Advisory Committee was clearly represented by the 13-7 vote to back Contrave's approval. This unenthusiastic appearing recommendation seems to partly be based upon Contrave's modest weight loss benefits.
In the two primary weight loss studies described in the briefing documents and one published research article[2], obese men and women were asked to follow a reduced-calorie diet (reduced by 500 Calories/day), were given advice on lifestyle changes that included physical activity, and were asked to take Contrave or a placebo pill daily for slightly more than one year (56 weeks). Individuals taking Contrave were divided into two groups, one group taking a low dose (16 mg naltrexone + 360 mg bupropion) and one group taking a higher dose (32 mg naltrexone + 360 mg bupropion). In these studies, individuals lost approximately 6% of their initial body weight after 56 weeks when taking the 32 mg version of Contrave and about 5% of their initial body weight after taking the 16 mg version of Contrave for 56 weeks. According to the published research article, this amounted to a weight loss of about 11 pounds in the lose-dose group and 13 pounds in the high-dose group after 56 weeks in study volunteers who weighed about 220 pounds on average at the start of the study. Additionally, only about half (48% in one study and 50% in the second study) successfully lost more than 5% of their starting body weight. According to some of the news stories, some members of the FDA Advisory Committee apparently supported approval for Contrave, despite the modest weight loss benefits, due to concerns about suppressing the development of future weight loss pills during a time when about two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese.
Unlike weight loss pills that appear to provide only modest weight loss benefits, a well-structured weight loss plan that is easy to follow and includes adequate amounts of regular exercise can help nearly anyone lose the weight they want. During a 16-week study, dieters lost about two times more weight on my diet and physical activity plan when compared to the dieters in the two main Contrave studies. Dieters in my diet study consumed approximately 1,200 calories per day, and participated in physical activity six days per week, while dieters in the weight loss pill study were instructed to consume a 500-calorie per day deficit diet. Dieters lost an average of 26 to 29 pounds on my plan compared to only about 11 pounds on the diet pill plan after 16 weeks. Average starting weight of study participants on my diet plan was 210 pounds, which was similar to the average starting weight of about 220 pounds in the Contrave weight loss pill studies.
Overall, it appears that dieters lost about 200% more weight on my diet and physical activity plan when compared to dieters using the Contrave weight loss diet pill. Therefore, you can lose more weight in less time on my diet plan...without diet pills.
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