Drugs for weight loss part 1

Over the last 2 decades, obesity has become endemic in North America and is a major public health issue. It is estimated that more than half of American adults and 10-15% of children are obese. At least a quarter million Americans die each year from obesity related complications. The obesity epidemic is rising exponentially and it is predicted that obesity-related health problems will soon take over tobacco as the nation’s number one leading cause of preventable deaths. It has finally been realized that drastic changes are required to control the obesity epidemic. A newer breed of doctors, known as weight loss experts, has now been brought into the arena of obesity management. And of course when doctors get involved, drugs follow.

One thing that has been acknowledged is that drugs may not be the answer in controlling the obesity epidemic and a change in life style is mandatory. Therefore, along with these weight loss physicians, there has been an explosion of nutritionists, exercise gyms, herbal therapists, psychologists, spiritualists, yogis and a whole host of other experts- all who have been burdened with solving Americas number one health problem. The majority of these so called experts are in the business to make money and Quack therapy is very prevalent in the obesity business.

As Americans continue to increase their waist lines, there has been a resurgence by the pharmaceutical companies to search for the ideal weight loss drug. Many new medications are currently being investigated and a few may be available in the next decade for use. However, there are some problems with drug use in the control of obesity. For the past decade, physicians have been reluctant to use weight loss drugs. This has mostly been due to the side effects and the legal hassles which follow when prescribing these drugs. Today, physicians have only a few drugs to choose from in the battle against the bulge. The FDA has approved two weight loss medications for long-term use—typically a year or more. A few other newer agents have been approved for short term use but this may not be enough to produce the weight loss required.

Despite these concerns, the new breed of weight loss physicians are taking a second look at these drugs in combating the obesity epidemic. It is believed that more that 25% of Americans are now eligible for short term drug treatment for weight loss.