A recent research study investigating weight loss in the morbidly obese,
found a statistically significant (p = 0.01) difference between subjects who followed an individually planned diet regimen with aerobic exercise and those in the treatment group, who also followed an individually planned diet regimen with aerobic exercise, but in addition, took a new medication. The medication, though extremely costly, created an additional 12 pound weight loss over the 3-month trial. What recommendations would be expected to come from this study?
a. Further research is suggested as the medication appears promising.
b. The findings are modest at best; the medication should not be recommended.
c. The medication can provide significant results for anyone needing to lose weight.
d. The expense is much too great to ever justify use of this medication.
ANS: A
Further research is definitely needed; there was some statistically significant weight loss, but not enough to warrant recommendation since it was "extremely" expensive and yielded a very small additional loss over 3 months. Nonetheless, for some patients it still might be an option if cost was not a factor and the need for weight loss was high. Additional research might show a more clinically significant amount of weight loss attributable to the medication.
The statistical and clinical findings are significant. The cost of the medication can be offset by the total weight loss. Recommendation to use is based upon the benefit-risk review, including clinical and statistical significance.
The findings are generalizable to the morbidly obese; not to all who fall in the spectrum of being overweight.
The statistical and clinical findings are significant. The cost of the medication can be offset by the total weight loss. Recommendation to use is based on the benefit-risk review, including clinical and statistical significance.
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