Source: New York Times
Physicians, obese Americans, and investors are all excited about three new obesity medications that are being studied. The three medications are: Qnexa, Contrave, and Lorcaserin.
Qnexa
- Made by Vivus
- Placebo-adjusted weight loss of 8 to 11%
- Good News: Combination of phentermine and topiramate, two inexpensive generic drugs
- Bad News: phentermine and topiramate are both notorious for side effects
Contrave
- Made by Orexigen Therapeutics
- Placebo-adjusted weight loss of 3 to 5%
- Good News: Combination of bupropion and naltrexone, two inexpensive generic drugs
- More Good News: Safer than Qnexa
- Bad News: Less effective than Qnexa
Lorcaserin
- Made by Arena Pharmaceuticals
- Weight loss of 3.1 to 3.6%
- Good News: Similar to fenfluramine without fenfluramine’s most dangerous side effects
- Bad News: Will probably be expensive
Excitement
I will not get excited about these new pharmaceuticals until I personally read the studies. Even then I will be a little skeptical until I witness some real life results. The pharmaceutical companies typically fund the studies and they have a vested interest in its success, or perception of success. I will also wait to see if the FDA approves the three drugs, even though the FDA does not always make the best decisions.
There is definitely a role for pharmaceuticals in treating obesity. However, they should not be considered until all safer and natural methods have been attempted. For safe and natural weight loss therapies, check out my Weight Loss Tips.
Weight loss can be enhanced and better maintained with strength training. For more information on my favorite strength training tool, read my review of the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells.
Photo by JasonTromm.
Related posts: