Fear over new obesity drug
If you're obese and want to lose weight, then sometimes an obesity drug is the only option. But could a new NHS pill do more harm than good?
Why are obesity drugs in the news?
A new obesity drug has been approved for use in England and Wales, despite worries that it could cause depression and suicide.
Who can be prescribed this drug?
Doctors will be able to give out Accomplia (also known as rimonabant) to overweight or obese patients who can't take, or have had no success with, two other obesity drugs.
Does Accomplia work
Apparently so, yes. Trials have shown it could help 2 in 5 patients lose 10% of their weight.
So what are the side-effects of the drug?
Studies have shown that 1 in 10 people might develop mental side-effects such as depression, anxiety, nervousness and sleep disorders.
In fact, doctors have been told not to give it to any patients with a history of mental health problems and have been told to watch out for signs of depression developing in new patients.
Aren't there other drugs available?
Yes, but Xenical cannot be used by people with bowel problems and Reductil can't be taken by patients with high blood pressure.
Does Accomplia have any other benefits?
Yes. Apart from weight loss, taking it could improve general health, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
What do the experts say?
Dr David Haslam from the National Obesity Forum says: 'This is a very good drug and there are very many people who have tried everything else with little success who might benefit from it.
Has anyone else banned it?
Well Scotland and the US haven't approved the drug, but you can get hold of it in France and Germany.
- Last week's big issue: Thousands of Caesareans could be avoided
More help and advice
- Get the facts about depression
- Find more information about obesity
- More treatments for obesity
- Find out more about gastric band operations
- Get more information about mental health problems
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Are you obese or overweight?
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Gastric band operation: The facts
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Have you got the fat gene?
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How can I lose weight?
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Medical treatments for obesity
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Obesity
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Obesity in adults and children
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Other causes of being overweight or obese
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Other keys to weight loss
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Slimming pills: Do they really work?
Bob Burnett, about 1 year
Well I'm overweight, have high blood pressure but my cholesterol is fine and my doctor gives me Reductil to try and help me and I have no problems whatsoever, My blood pressure is very stable and iI'm losing weight slowly.
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