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Home arrow Other arrow Other health conditions arrow Treating Migraines Reduces Body Fat?
Treating Migraines Reduces Body Fat?

Information published this year by German researchers suggests the drug topiramate (Topamax) can help reduce body fat.  Topiramate is used to treat seizures and to prevent migraine headaches. Researchers studied the effects of 100mg of topiramate in patients for 20 weeks and found that it reduced body fat by 12%, waist circumference by 4%, and insulin resistance by 37%. It was also found to increase the chemical adiponectin (which helps decrease fat storage and control blood sugar) by 70%.


Based on these findings it would appear that topiramate is a great diet drug. However, there have been serious adverse effects reported with the use of topiramate which have kept it from being used routinely for weight loss. Side effects include numbness, memory problems, taste disturbances, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness and problems concentrating. Based on the frequency of these side effects, health professionals do not recommend using the drug for weight loss alone. However, if a patient requires the drug to treat seizures or for migraine prevention and is overweight, the patient may benefit from the added bonus of weight loss.

More studies are needed to see if different formulations of the drug can help decrease the amount and frequency of side effects before it can be recommended for weight loss (Experimental  & Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes, March 3, 2010).

 

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Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.

Dr. Larson is a pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of Empowered Medicine. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab.  EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information from a pharmacist's point of view.