A double-blind controlled study of the use of diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate) in obese patients in a rural practice.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study has been carried out to compare long-acting diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate Dospan, Wm. S. Merrell Company, hereafter referred to as TD) in a rural general practice. TD was found to produce significantly more weight loss than placebo and side effects were not significantly greater. The need for the treatment of obese patients in general practice is discussed, as is the role of anorexiant therapy.