Abstract

This study investigated the effect of subcutaneously administered oxyntomodulin on body weight in healthy overweight and obese volunteers. Participants self-administered saline or oxyntomodulin subcutaneously in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group protocol. Injections were self-administered for 4 weeks, three times daily, 30 min before each meal. The volunteers were asked to maintain their regular diet and level of physical exercise during the study period. Subjects’ body weight, energy intake, and levels of adipose hormones were assessed at the start and end of the study. Body weight was reduced by 2.3 ± 0.4 kg in the treatment group over the study period compared with 0.5 ± 0.5 kg in the control group (P = 0.0106). On average, the treatment group had an additional 0.45-kg weight loss per week. The treatment group demonstrated a reduction in leptin and an increase in adiponectin. Energy intake by the treatment group was significantly reduced by 170 ± 37 kcal (25 ± 5%) at the initial study meal (P = 0.0007) and by 250 ± 63 kcal (35 ± 9%) at the final study meal (P = 0.0023), with no change in subjective food palatability. Oxyntomodulin treatment resulted in weight loss and a change in the levels of adipose hormones consistent with a loss of adipose tissue. The anorectic effect was maintained over the 4-week period. Oxyntomodulin represents a potential therapy for obesity.