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New drugs could help combat obesity
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Food is source of energy for all biological functions in the living organisms. In the past, food wasn’t easily accessible as it is today. People had to pass long distances, cope with poor weather conditions and skip different environmental obstacles before catching a pray that could provide necessary dose of energy. Body learned to turn all excess amount of energy in fat to be used when regular food is not available. This mechanism is no longer needed because latest technologies simplify food production and its distribution on the global scale and offer a lot of edible materials that provide not just energy but pleasure in the modern society. Feeding is one of the primal instincts that need to be satisfied if we want to survive. Ironically, eating is what is killing thousands of people nowadays.

Obesity is medical condition diagnosed when body mass index exceeds 30 kg/m2 (BMI is calculated when number of kg is divided with height expressed in square meters). It usually results from excess calories intake and lack of physical activity. Genetic predisposition can play a role. Some type of diseases and medications (anti-psychotics, for example) could increase appetite and result in excess weight gain. Number of people diagnosed with obesity is increasing. Annually, between 111,909 and 365,000 people in USA and around 1 million people in Europe die due to obesity. Increased weight pose a great threat to the health. It is associated with cardiovascular disorders, diabetes type 2, metabolic syndrome, apnea, asthma…. People could treat obesity surgically by removing fat or by reducing gastric volume, but without changes in the lifestyle (including modified diet and regular exercise) most people will turn preoperative weight back. Most medications for obesity work as appetite suppressor. Some of those were pulled back from the market due severe side effects - fatal heart valve problems were noted. As from July 2012, two new drugs for obesity treatment are approved by the FDA.

Belviq (Lorcaserine) is selective serotonin agonist (binds to 5-HT2C receptor) that acts as appetite suppressor. After binding to receptor, proopiomelanocortin will be produced and patient will experience satiety. In time, that will result in weight loss. Since, its mechanism of action is similar to a previously mentioned drug, scientists paid special attention during Belviq development to create a drug that will avoid binding to the receptors in the heart valve.

Qsymia is combination of two previously marketed drugs: topiramate and phentermine. Topiramate is anti-seizure drug having weight loss as a side effect. Phentermine acts like appetite suppressor and a stimulant. This drug is more powerful than a Belviq.

If drugs work properly, patients will experience appetite reduction and will not feel hunger in between meals. Drugs will not boost the metabolism and patients are strongly advised to increase their everyday activities and move as much as possible. Both drugs showed promising effects; participants in the study managed to lose 4-8 percent of their body mass and reduce blood sugar level, which is another beneficial effect. Qsymia can reduce cholesterol level and blood pressure also. Both drugs will be available only via prescription. People that want to lose pound or two will not be able to get them. Just overweight and obese patients diagnosed with some of the typical obese related medical conditions (cardiac problems, diabetes type 2, increased cholesterol level…) will be able to use these medications.

Typical side effects may include dry mouth, constipation and tingling in the fingers. Qsymia is associated with severe heart side effects; it could increase heart rate and induce birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women who are planning pregnancy should avoid this medication. Belviq may interfere with drugs that are usually prescribed for migraine and depression.

Increased body weight used to be a sign of wealth and good social-economic status in the past. Growing number of overweight people wasn’t recognized as a medical condition until 20th century. In 1997 WHO (World Health Organization) announced that obesity takes epidemic proportions with 9.8% obese people globally. Modern medicine provides a lot of evidence that excess amount of body fat leads to numerous serious disorders that could shorten life expectancy and prevent people from living healthy and happy life. Surgical procedures, novel drugs, and regular exercise combined with proper diet management… could reduce the number of diagnosed cases in the future.
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New drugs could help combat obesity - by BojanaL - 12-04-2012, 07:51 PM
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