RESULTS OF ADDITION OF LIOTHYRONINE TO A WEIGHT-REDUCING REGIMEN

The effectiveness of liothyronine as part of a weight-reducing program was investigated in a number of obese patients who were taking a standard 1,000-calorie diet. A preliminary study established 75 mcg. per day as a safe dose. The final study involved 57 patients who took the same diet together with a d-amphetamine-amobarbital preparation for two eight-week periods. Group 1 (28 patients) in addition received a placebo during the first period and liothyronine during the second, while group 2 (29 patients) received liothyronine during the first and the placebo during the second period. No significant difference was found between the two groups during the first period, but during the second period group 2 ceased to lose. Group 1, receiving liothyronine during the second period, continued to lose, and for this group the weight-reduction amounted to 0.39 kg. (0.86 lb.) per week for 16 weeks. Liothyronine was of great help to patients who could not maintain an adequate rate of weight loss on the established regimen.