Biomedical subjects
J Vernon-Roberts
Publications and source records attributed to J Vernon-Roberts.
Effect of dexfenfluramine on gastric emptying of a mixed solid-liquid meal in obese subjects.
Recent studies suggest that dexfenfluramine (D-fenfluramine), because of its pure serotonergic effect, may be a more potent anti-obesity agent, associated with fewer side-effects than the racemate DL-fenfluramine. The effect of dexfenfluramine on gastric emptying of a mixed solid and liquid meal was assessed with a double-isotope scintigraphic technique in eleven obese patients. Each subject took a placebo capsule on the morning and evening of the day before, and on the morning of the first gastric emptying measurement. Dexfenfluramine was then taken at a dose of 15 mg twice daily and gastric emptying measurements were performed at 5 and at 29 d after the initiation of active treatment. Dexfenfluramine significantly slowed gastric emptying of the solid meal at both 5 and 29 d when compared with the placebo (P less than 0.05) and also delayed emptying of solid food from the proximal stomach (P less than 0.01), but no significant effect on liquid emptying was observed. No significant side-effects were reported and there was a marginal weight loss (P less than 0.005) during treatment. We conclude that inhibition of gastric emptying may contribute to the efficacy of dexfenfluramine in the treatment of obesity.
Long-term effects of a psychologically based group programme for women preoccupied with body weight and eating behaviour.
The effects of a 10 session group programme designed to discourage dieting behaviour and reduce preoccupation with body weight, food and eating were assessed in 87 women (mean age 40 years and mean body mass index 31.9) who attended three different agencies in Adelaide, South Australia. The subjects were selected on the basis of eating preoccupation and not body weight. Measurements of various psychological parameters and body weight were made at entry to the programme, at the completion of the programme and at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after its completion. Eighty women completed the groups and data were obtained from 56 of them at 2 years. At the completion of the group programme and at 2 years there were significant improvements (P less than 0.01) in the psychological parameters self-esteem, depression, self-image, eating attitude, body image and assertion. At two years after the completion of the group, there was a significant (P less than 0.005) mean weight loss of 3.1 kg when compared to baseline. We conclude that this programme confers long-term beneficial effects on psychological function and body weight.
Fenfluramine delays gastric emptying of solid food.
The effect of a single dose of (+/-)-fenfluramine hydrochloride (40 mg) on gastric emptying of a mixed solid and liquid meal was assessed with a dual isotope scintigraphic technique in eight obese patients. Fenfluramine significantly delayed gastric emptying of solid food (approximately a 15% reduction in the solid linear emptying rate), but had no effect on gastric emptying of liquid.