Orlistat with drospirenone/ethinylestradiol tablets combo improves visceral fat in PCOS patients: Study

China: A combination of orlistat with drospirenone/ethinylestradiol tablets (DRSP/EE) is better than DRSP/EE-alone in reducing body weight, visceral fat area (VFA), and other parameters in overweight or obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), says a recent study. The study appears in Gynecological Endocrinology. 

Xiangyan Ruan and colleagues from China conducted the study with the objective to investigate the combined effect of orlistat with drospirenone/ethinylestradiol tablets on the visceral fat area versus DRSP/EE-alone in overweight or obese PCOS patients. 

In the prospective, open-label, 1:2 paired 3-monthly study, the researchers recruited 90 PCOS patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥24kg/m2]. Inclusion was done during the per-protocol defined recruitment time and numbered according to the entry order: group-1: No.1-60, orlistat plus DRSP/EE; group-2: No.61-90, DRSP/EE-alone. 

Both the groups were given the same comprehensive intervention with regard to individualized, standardized management and lifestyle monitoring such as diet and exercise. VFA was the primary study endpoint. Secondary endpoints include anthropometric indices, sex hormones, and glucolipid metabolism. Within- and between-group analyses were performed. 

"The combination of orlistat with DRSP/EE was better than using DRSP/EE-alone in reducing VFA, body weight, BP, FT, and FPG, which provides evidence for the choice of rational drug use in clinical practice," they concluded. 

Reference:

Min, Min, et al. "Effect of Orlistat During Individualized Comprehensive Life-style Intervention On Visceral Fat in Overweight or Obese PCOS Patients." Gynecological Endocrinology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, 2022, pp. 1-5.