The effect of Fluoxetine on lipid profiles in overweight or obese Individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background and aim

The impact of fluoxetine on serum lipid remains unclear due to inconsistencies in study findings. Differences in intervention duration, participant characteristics, and dosages may contribute to these variations. This meta-analysis and systematic review assessed fluoxetine’s effects on lipid profiles in overweight or obese individuals.

Methods

A literature search was employed in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase for studies published up to December 2024. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to estimate pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Fluoxetine significantly reduced triglycerides (TG) (WMD: –22.04 mg/dL; CI: −42.61 to −1.46; P = 0.036) and increased HDL-C (WMD: 2.25 mg/dL; CI: 0.21 to 4.28; P = 0.030). No significant changes were noted in total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: 4.75 mg/dL; CI: −2.576 to 12.08; P = 0.204) or LDL-C (WMD: −0.35 mg/dL; CI: −11.15 to 10.44; P = 0.949). Greater TG reductions occurred with 60 mg/day fluoxetine (WMD: −43.86 mg/dL), baseline TG levels ≥ 150 mg/dL (WMD: −26.62 mg/dL), and interventions lasting ≤ 12 weeks (WMD: −26.88 mg/dL).

Conclusion

Fluoxetine significantly lowers TG and raises HDL-C in overweight or obese individuals. The effect on TG is more pronounced at 60 mg/day and in shorter interventions. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term impacts.