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WEEKLY NEWS 3: Obesity Drug

The Food Drug Administration (FDA) is considering allowing a weight loss drug to be sold to public without prescription. Orlistat would be the first obesity drug that the FDA approves to be sold over-the-counter. The drug, Orlistat, has been sold at a higher dosage under the name Xenical since 1999, but you cannot get it without prescription. All other pills and potions claiming to be for weight loss are dietary supplements and not approved by the FDA. The drug will be marketed under the name Alli.

There are a lot of questions about the drug. Are there any side effects? Will the drug solve the obesity problem?

"I don't think we can solve the obesity problem with blocking fat agents," said Dr. Miral Maamoun, family physician pursuing her MS degree in Nutrition Science at SJSU.

"We need the fat. People should be educated on what kind of fat is good for them. You can't just block any fat. There are some kinds of vitamins that the body can't absorb without a little bit of fat. They are called 'Fat Soluble Vitamins.' Moderation is the key for a healthy life. I strongly believe that these types of drugs should only be allowed under medical supervision," concluded Dr. Maamoun.

Obesity is one of the major health problems facing the U.S. Nearly 130 million Americans are considered obese. The FDA advisory committee voted 11 to 3 for the drug to be made available to the public. The FDA has not yet approved the drug for the public but, in the past, it has followed the recommendations of the advisory committee.

--Written by Marwa Sabry

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