Fox
News Live with E. D. Hill discussed a new weight loss
pill,
Acomplia (generic
name
Rimonabant).
Rimonabant has been seen by many patients struggling
with obesity as a "miracle pill."
Many studies have shown that this medication helps patients lose weight when compared to a placebo. Most of the weight reduction results from patients limiting the number of calories they consume on a daily basis. Acomplia, aka Rimonabant helps to control appetite-- something that for many patients involved in weight reduction programs is a major obstacle to success. Even though the safety of the medication is being monitored, no major problems have yet been reported. There are some mild side effects that people should be aware of, including nausea, dizziness, anxiety and depression. Many Europeans have accepted the efficacy of this medication. Sweden, for example, has approved reimbursement of the drug through their public service program.
How does it work? It controls the urge to eat. Many are calling this the "anti munchie effect." Rimonabant works in the central nervous system by affecting the cannabioids receptors in the brain. Yes, the same receptors that give people the urge to eat when exposed to marijuana.
The point of all the hype around Rimonabant is that it has been a long time since we have seen a medication so effective in controlling appetite. The FDA is considering approval of this drug in the U.S., but there is no clear indication as to when it will happen. In the mean time, other pharmaceutical companies are working on similar typed of drugs.
Why? Because the world is severely overweight and obesity is creating pockets of epidemic proportions of diabetes and heart disease. Of course, a simple pill is not the answer to an unhealthy lifestyle. But hopefully, this "miracle drug" will be the miracle we all need to start focusing in eating right and exercising.
