Obesity is now one of the leading causes of death in the world. Being overweight increases the risk of cancer as well as vascular and respiratory conditions, amongst others.
In addition to those medical issues, obesity also takes a toll on a person’s self-esteem and ultimately, on his or her personal life.
After a series of failed dieting attempts, many overweight patients turn to drugs or even surgery in order to lose weight.
Taking drugs in order to lose weight should always be a last resort solution and should be done only by seriously overweight patients (BMI 30 or higher). Every medication has side effects, sometimes serious ones. Therefore, choosing a new treatment should always be made with the guidance of a health professional.
Weight Loss Drugs Currently Available
Two FDA-approved drugs are currently available in most Western countries. In addition, a large number of other non-approved drugs can be bought via mail order or online.
- Orlistat (brand names: Xenical and Alli) is sold over-the-counter in most countries. This drug has no effect on appetite. Instead, it decreases the absorption of fat by the intestinal tissue. Simply put, while taking orlistat, a higher percentage of a patient’s intake of fat will end up in the toilet bowl instead of being stored in his body. This also leads to orlistat’s biggest side effect: diarrhea. If the fat intake is not reduced, patients can experience severe and urgent diarrhea. Eating healthier food usually prevents this. Alli contains half the dosage in orlistat compared to Xenical.
- Sibutramine (brand names: Reductil and Meridia) is currently the most popular appetite suppressant. Users of sibutramine have reported increased levels of fullness and decreased levels of hunger. After one year, the average weight loss amongst sibutramine users is about 5% of body weight. Common side effects include increased blood pressure and pulse, sleep disorders and headaches.
- Several other, non-approved, drugs can be ordered via mail or the Internet. None of those drugs have ever been proved effective in terms of weight loss. In addition, some of these pills can actually cause serious adverse effects or even long-term medical conditions.
Weight Loss Drug Under Consideration by the FDA
Lorcaserin is a new molecule developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals. Currently pending approval from the FDA, this drug has supposedly shown an effect on weight loss, mostly by reducing appetite and increasing the feeling of fullness. If approved by the FDA, this molecule should be launched in the last quarter of 2010.
Sources:
WebMD - Obesity Medications Accessed 3/8/2010
Mayo Clinic - Obesity Treatments and Drugs Accessed 3/8/2010
Food and Drug Administration, "The Facts About Weight Loss Products and Programs", 1992
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Nicolas Henrion - Nicolas Henrion started his writing career for the now defunct Geocities website, back in the nineties. As a Community Leader, he was in ...
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