Does ephedrine promote weight loss in low-energy-adapted obese women?

Pasquali et al., 1987 | Int J Obes | Rct

Citation

Pasquali R, Cesari M P, ... Labo G. Does ephedrine promote weight loss in low-energy-adapted obese women?. Int J Obes. 1987;11(2):163-8

Abstract

A double-blind cross-over randomized study was performed in 10 selected adult overweight and obese (body mass index greater than 27) women who had been adapted to low-energy intake for a long period of time and who had shown difficulty in losing weight with conventional hypocaloric treatment. Combined with diet therapy (1000-1400 kcal/day), l(-)ephedrine hydrochloride (50 mg three times a day per os) or placebo were administered daily before each meal, after a period of stabilization with diet only for 1 month. Each pharmacological treatment lasted for 2 months. Weight loss was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater during the ephedrine period (2.41 +/- 0.61 kg) than during the placebo period (0.64 +/- 0.50 kg). None of the patients presented clinically important side-effects. These preliminary results seem to suggest a possible role for a thermogenic compound such as ephedrine in promoting weight loss in low-energy-adapted obese women.

Key Findings

These preliminary results seem to suggest a possible role for a thermogenic compound such as ephedrine in promoting weight loss in low-energy-adapted obese women.

Outcomes Measured

• Requires manual extraction

Population

MeSH Terms

• Adult
• Body Weight
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Diet, Reducing
• Double-Blind Method
• Energy Metabolism
• Ephedrine
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Obesity
• Random Allocation

Evidence Classification

• Level: Rct
• Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Vertical: ephedra

Provenance

• PMID: 3301709
• DOI: (not available)
• PMCID: Not in PMC
• Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09