Table 1 Summary of characteristics of the randomized controlled trials analysed

- Placebo controlled

52

- No treatment controls

5

Blinding

- Single blind

2

- Double blind

46

Drugs used and dosage

Dexfenfluramine 10–80 mg/day (mostly 30 mg)

35

Phentermine 30 mg/day

7

Fenfluramine 40–160 mg/day

11

Phentermine-fenfluramine 30–60 mg/day

4

Mean duration

17 weeks

Range

4–60 weeks

Information on Adverse effects

Monitored for any adverse effects

47

Gave details of adverse effects

41

No details of any adverse effects

15

Patients

No.

- Treated

2907

- Control

2252

- Mean age

43

- Sex

77% female

Cases of valvular heart disease

Treated

1 (but judged unrelated to treatment)

Controls

0