Evaluation of the efficacy of IQV04 for weight loss in overweight and obese dogs.

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are worldwide problems. Because of the higher risk of associated diseases, it is better to prevent and treat overweight and obesity. Beside weight loss programs, there are different medications and supplements available. After promising results from human health studies on the efficacy of Litramine, a similar product, named IQV04, is developed for dogs to support weight loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of IQV04 for weight loss in overweight and obese dogs. Materials and methods: Nineteen colony dogs were randomly divided in three groups, in this placebo controlled and double-blinded study. All dogs received once a day a standardised maintenance meal for their resting energy requirement (RER) with one of the three pills (IQV04 concentration A, IQV04 concentration B and placebo). Body weight and pelvic circumference were measured weekly. By start and end of the study, physical examination, body condition score, complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis and fecal examination was done. Results: Results suggested that there was a difference in body weight reduction between the three groups. The rate of weight loss in the placebo, IQV04 concentration A and IQV04 concentration B group were 2.45 ± 0.51, 2.85 ± 1.84 and 3.03 ± 1.26% body weight reduction per week, respectively. However, this difference did not reach significance. Also there was no significant difference found in pelvic circumference reduction per week. Conclusion: Further studies with larger patient pool are required to achieve more statistic power.