Systematic variation in prescribing and use of anti-obesity medication: an observational study

Researcher (s): Professor Frank Kee and Dr Lynsey Patterson

Organisation (s): Queen’s University of Belfast

Database: NILS

Project Summary: Worldwide we are experiencing an obesity epidemic which is evident locally where 24% of adults are obese, with a further 35% in the overweight category (Health and Well Being Survey, 2005). The distribution of obesity is not uniform; several studies have shown an obesity gradient with prevalence higher in the most deprived areas when compared to the least deprived in developed countries. In terms of treatment options, dietary, lifestyle and behavioral changes have historically been used but with the increasing epidemic there has been increased interest in other options, such as the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

In Northern Ireland, approximately 5000 people per month are prescribed an anti-obesity medication, with the use of orlistat increasing by 24% from April 2009 – March 2010. Yet little is known about who gets anti-obesity drugs. This study aims to address the knowledge gap by linking data from the newly available Enhanced Prescribing Database (EPD) to the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS) dataset. Data from the EPD for the period April 2009 – March 2010 will provide information on anti-obesity prescribing at an individual level. NILS will enhance this dataset by providing information on individual, household and area information for a representative sample of the NI population (approximately 450,000 individuals).

Publications to date: None