Topiramate-Associated Weight Loss in a Veteran Population

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to see whether patients in a real-world setting taking topiramate for varied indications experience significant weight loss. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study from the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. Patients were new topiramate users between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2013 with body mass index > 25 kg/m2 and medication possession ratio > 0.5. Primary outcome determined if topiramate users experienced significant changes in weight and body mass index. Secondary outcome analyzed predictive factors associated with 5% weight loss using logistic regression models. Patients were followed up 1 year post index date. Results: A total of 767 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients lost an average of 5.6 lbs (216.1 lbs preweight vs. 210.5 lbs postweight) at an average follow-up of 7.8 months. A total of 43.2% (92/213) of females lost 5% of their body weight compared to 29.4% (163/554) of males. Females (odds ratio 1.73; 95% confiden...