Finally, FDA has approved of a weight loss drug called Belviq, putting forth the importance of combating obesity. This medicine is supposed to be taken along with a low-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management.
Obese adults with BMI of 30 or more and overweight counterparts with BMI 27 or higher can take the medication. Persons suffering from even one of the obesity-related conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes can take the drug.
Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research,, “Obesity threatens the overall well being of patients and is a major public health concern. The approval of this drug, used responsibly in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, provides a treatment option for Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition.”
The safety and usability of Belviq was affirmed in a set of 3 trials incorporating approximately 8,000 overweight and obese persons. As compared to placebos, this medicine seemed to result in almost 3% to 3.7% weight loss on an average.
This drug works by targeting the most vital aspect of obesity, which is appetite. It activates the serotonin 2C receptor located in the brain which makes people consume less food due to feelings of satisfaction. However, the team cautioned that the drug should not be consumed during pregnancy as it’s tied to a host of side-effects like serotonin syndrome, attention and memory issues.
Professionals also advise caution in case of patients suffering from congestive heart failure. The effects of the therapeutic on people with serious valvular heart disease are not known as yet.
Other side-effects associated with the Belviq in non-diabetic people include nausea, constipation, headache, dry mouth, dizziness and tiredness. Diabetic patients taking it are likely to encounter back pain, fatigue, low blood sugar, headache and cough.