Effect of Naltrexone HCl and Bupropion HCl (Contrave) Extended‐Release Tablet ( NB ‐ ER ) for Weight Maintenance in Adult Patients After a 6‐Month Intensive Behaviour Modification Program Combined With Meal Replacements

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, with approximately nine million people affected in Canada. Obesity is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality as well as significant healthcare costs and economic burden. The primary therapeutic options for weight maintenance and treatment of weight regain include behaviour modification, lifestyle intervention and pharmacotherapy. This randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial aimed to determine the effect of a fixed‐dose, extended‐release combination of naltrexone and bupropion (NB‐ER) (commonly known as Contrave) on weight maintenance and further weight loss following the intensive portion of a behaviour modification program. The results from this study demonstrate that after an intensive lifestyle intervention program, treatment with NB‐ER for six months prevented weight regain compared to placebo. Additionally, a greater proportion of subjects experienced weight maintenance and less absolute weight regain on NB‐ER compared to placebo, supporting the use of NB‐ER as an effective option for weight maintenance in patients with significant prior weight loss.