Prescription weight loss aid offered over the counter
Reported
November 06, 2007
Dieters should soon have access to a weight loss pill now sold by prescription
only. A panel of doctors and scientists with the Food and Drug Administration
voted last night to make Xenical an over the counter weight loss aid.
Xenical is a fat blocker that doctors say should be taken by someone who is
overweight or obese. It blocks a quarter to a third of the available fat
calories in a meal.
Doctors say those taking the weight loss pills need to follow a low fat, heart
healthy diet with plenty of exercise.
"It's not a rapid weight loss drug so I would not recommend it for someone who
have a few pounds to lose and it will probably be abused in that context," said
Dr. Lewis Pincus, Methodist Weight Management Institute.
The diet drug will cost anywhere from $12 to $25 for a week's supply. There is
no work yet on when it will be available over the counter.
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