Obesity is a growing health and economic burden. This study investigates dexamphetamine, an inexpensive drug, as a potential safe and effective treatment for obesity when combined with diet and lifestyle changes over six months in general practice. The trial is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study with a six-month active treatment phase and two years of follow-up. Participants are randomised 1:1 to receive either dexamphetamine or placebo, starting at 5 mg twice daily, with weekly titration up to 30 mg twice daily as tolerated. Weekly reviews during titration assess tolerability and support lifestyle modifications, followed by monthly reviews during the maintenance phase. Dose adjustments are guided by clinical effects and a standardised amphetamine rating scale, with gradual down-titration during the final month. If demonstrated to be effective and safe long-term, dexamphetamine could provide a scalable, practical solution to reduce the individual and societal burden of obesity.
Gauci et al. (Fri,) studied this question.