Weight-Loss Medicine Approved For The Use Of NHS
guardian.co.uk, 21th January 2009
Rimonabant is a weight-loss drug that has just been approved by NHS. The medicine can help to lose some weight if used with a low-calorie diet and exercising.
The tablet works by stopping the feeling of hunger. It is only available on prescription. Unfortunately, there are the side affects of Rimonabant such as depression and anxiety. The drug can affect people’s moods leading even to suicidal thoughts.
The medicine has not been approved in the USA. It has, however, been approved in Europe as the European Medicines Agency is of the opinion that benefits are greater than the risks. The Agency explains that if a patient is not depressed when he/she starts taking the drug, there is no need to worry.
The tablet is available in many European countries. In the UK it has been on the market from 2006 but it has just got official approval by NHS.
The Rimonabant does not work without a low-calorie diet and physical exercise. It works by blocking chemicals in the brain that cause cravings. During the researches, patients lost an average 10 pounds in a year. Other advantages included improved cholesterol and blood pressure.
Unfortunately, after stopping taking the tablet, patients tended to regain the weight.
Rimonabant is not suitable for everyone. NHS points out who can use it:
~ Patients who tried Orlistat and Sibutramine but have not achieved the right results.
~ Patients with BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more.
~ Patients whose health issues are caused by their obesity. Those problems include high cholesterol and diabetes.
Overweight or obese patients who have not lost at least 5% of their bodyweight after taking Rimonabant for six months, should stop taking the tablet. Also those who gained their weight back should stop the treatment. Any treatment should not last longer than two years. After that time a careful check-up is needed as well as a meeting with a doctor about benefits and risks of taking Rimonabant for a long period of time.
Patients who have depression or those who take antidepressant medicines, should not take Rimonabant. It is also not suitable for under 18s.
Researches show that 1 person in 10 had mood problems while taking the tablet. They included nervousness, irritation and depression. 1 in 100 patients thought about suicide.
Overweight and obese patients should try to lose weight by changing diet and exercising. They should seek professional advice from a doctor. Diet pills may be helpful for some patients only. They have side effects and in order to give results, patients need to exercise and keep a diet.
Another option for an effective weight-loss is a weight-loss surgery. This alternative should also be discussed with a doctor who will present different possibilities and suggest the best one depending on the patient’s needs.
