Sibutramine Treatment in Obesity: Predictors of Weight Loss Including Rorschach Personality Data

Objective: To study personality and clinical factors in weight loss by sibutramine (Meridia and Reductil), an anti‐obesity drug enhancing satiety. Research Methods and Procedures: The subjects were 30 obese patients 43 ± 12 years (mean ± SD), BMI 40 ± 4 kg/m²]. The treatment comprised 15 mg of sibutramine administered daily and monthly dietary advice. Weight loss after 6 months of treatment was evaluated. For psychological assessment, the Rorschach method (Comprehensive System) and the Beck Depression Inventory were used. Results: A multiple linear regression model including the Rorschach predictors’ physical demand states (animal movement, designated as FM) being intrusive or difficult to hold and a dependency orientation (food contents) could explain 47% of 6 months of weight loss. A model including initial weight loss in addition to the Rorschach predictors explained 58% of the 6‐month weight loss. Discussion: The personality factors predicted greater weight loss. In particular, patients with difficulties concerning physical demand states, which would include hunger, could have reduced their eating behavior with enhanced satiety, resulting in greater weight loss. Enhanced satiety could also have helped patients with a dependent need for food to limit food intake. Being enrolled in a treatment program could also have provided essential support for patients with dependency needs. Furthermore, initial weight loss was a predictor of greater weight loss in sibutramine treatment, in accordance with prior research.