Truth About Fat Pills

Don't expect dramatic results from today's anti-obesity medications. Canadian researchers reviewed 30 trials of three weight-loss drugs: Orlistat (marketed as Xenical and as over-the-counter product ALLI), Sibutramine (Meridia) and Rimonabant (not available in the United States). The nearly 20,000 people in the trials weighed an average of 220 pounds. Their weight loss? An average of 5 percent of total weight, or less than 11 pounds. "Most patients will remain considerably obese or overweight even with drug treatment," concluded the reviewers, led by Raj Padwal, M.D., of Canada's University of Alberta. "These results are indeed modest," says Gary D. Foster, director of Temple University's Center for Obesity Research and Education. "You don't lose 50, 60, 70 pounds of body weight." On the other hand, Foster says, even a drop of 5 percent of body weight can improve blood pressure and levels of blood sugar and cholesterol. The study was reported in the Dec. 8 British Medical Journal.


Dr. Ekstrom's Comments:

Very interesting results with the Alli, Meridia & Xenical. The excitement about them makes one think everyone who takes these is reaching their ultimate goal weight and body composition!