Obesity is a global epidemic of humanity that is increasing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. People with a body mass index of 30 kg / m 2 or more are at an increased risk of developing diabetes and hypertension. The treatment of obesity with drugs has repeatedly failed. How dangerous are drugs for weight loss?
How safe and effective are anti-obesity drugs?
Over the past 10 years, several new anti-obesity drugs have been approved. 2 of them are not approved in Europe. Both the FDA and the EMA have recognized some of the uncertainties associated with the safety and efficacy of new medicines.
The only surviving drug until the beginning of 2010 is orlistat. The drug reduces the absorption of fat from the gastrointestinal tract by 30%. When used as directed by a doctor, steady weight loss is observed. Decreases in diabetes progression and blood sugar have also been reported in studies.
However, even orlistat characterized by adverse effects: oily stools, fecal incontinence, and abdominal pain. Eating fatty foods causes severe side effects in patients taking orlistat.
Therefore, scientists suggest that the effect is not associated with a decrease in fat absorption, but with a forced rejection of fatty foods.
In 2012, lorcaserin was the first new anti-obesity drug to be licensed by the FDA. In studies, patients lost weight by about 3-4%. Lorcaserin is well tolerated by most people. However, in 2014, the medication was withdrawn in Europe because it caused severe mental disorders.
In 2015, a combination of bupropion and naltrexone was approved. Bupropion is used in psychiatric practice for depression. Naltrexone is used to treat alcohol addiction, as it reduces alcohol cravings. The combination of the two remedies greatly reduces appetite and increases satiety from food. Unfortunately, they greatly increase pressure, so patients need to constantly visit a doctor. Bupropion increases the risk of suicide. About 15 patients died as a result of the combination.
Changing diets, increasing physical activity and bariatric surgery remain the most effective treatments for obesity.
The potential health risks of drugs far outweigh the benefits.
When can I do without drugs?
In 2011, approximately 2.74 million patients used drugs to treat obesity in the United States. The goal of treating obesity is to increase the quality of life of the patient and reduce cardiovascular risks. However, no medicine for weight loss, as shown in studies, has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.
Before prescribing drugs, the doctor will thoroughly examine the patient’s health status. It is necessary to exclude possible secondary causes of obesity: hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, hypogonadism, hypothalamic tumors. Surgery should only be performed in case of extreme obesity.
Indications for drug therapy are clearly defined in the medical community:
- Adult patients with obesity and a BMI of ≥ 30 kg / m2 who are not helped by exercise or diet.
- Overweight adult patients with a BMI ≥ 28 kg / m2 who have concomitant diseases.
Self-medication is not recommended. First you need to seek the advice of your doctor, and try safer methods of treatment.
Should I take drugs?
Human knowledge of the “inappropriate effects” of some anti-obesity drugs remains incomplete. Therefore, there are problems with side effects that cause the death of patients.
Research should focus on understanding the potential adverse effects, not just the primary therapeutic goal.
It remains unknown whether drug therapy can help patients in the near future. Currently approved weight loss medications are considered unsafe, so they can do more harm even if used correctly.
