The use of the weight loss drug combo known as fen-phen continued until two of the drugs were removed from the market by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997. The use continued despite increasing safety concerns at the time, according to an analysis of prescription records.
Fen-phen hit the market in the early 1990s, just as obesity was gaining acceptance as a medical problem, rather than a personal challenge. Today, anti-obesity drugs are still popular in America.
The popularity of fen-phen took off after research showed that fen-phen, which is a combination of appetite suppressants fenfluramine and phentermine, provided weight loss benefits. Prescriptions for the drug increased dramatically in 1996 after a newer fenfluramine agent, called dexfenfluramine, was introduced.
However, soon reports began to link the "fen" part of the drug combo to potentially harmful heart valve defects, leading to the FDA’s removal of both fenfluramine agents from the market.
In Europe, phentermine has been banned in addition to the fenfluramines because of concerns that phentermine might also cause heart valve defects and other side effects. However, phentermine is still available in the United States under brand names such as Fastin.
Fen-phen’s quick popularity and subsequent removal from the market corresponded with a rise and fall in obesity statistics. From 1995 to 1996 the number of obese patients who visited a doctor for a weight problem nearly doubled. Also, the number of overweight people seeking weight loss treatments increased from 59 percent in 1991 to 71 percent in 1996.
Two other anti-obesity drugs, Meridia and Xenical, have recently been approved by the FDA.
People should understand the potential downsides to diet drugs before taking them, researchers noted. They also pointed out that there is no quick and easy approach to losing weight.
Archives of Internal Medicine May 12, 2003;163:1046-1050
People are always looking for a quick, easy fix, and the drug companies are ever so happy to accommodate them.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just swallow a pill and solve the obesity epidemic that has close to 70 percent of the U.S. population overweight?
Unfortunately, if you believe in this fantasy it is likely that the sugar and processed foods has seriously affected your ability to think rationally.
The good news is that there are very effective tools you can use to lose weight successfully. They involve eliminating grains, sugars, fruits and nuts from your diet until you have achieved your ideal body weight.
Adding cardiovascular exercise for one hour a day seven days a week at an intensity that is challenging enough to make it difficult for you to talk to someone next to you is another part of the key. Vigorous, sustained aerobic activity is required to increase the number and efficiency of fat-burning intracellular mitochondria.
I review specific details and give many practical suggestions on how you can successfully lose weight in my new book, The No-Grain Diet.
Additionally, if you are looking for a completely nutritious meal replacement to help your weight loss efforts, consider Whey Protein with Aminogen®.
Although whole foods are always best, v makes a smart choice as a meal replacement to promote both weight loss. Whey Protein with Aminogen® is especially handy if you’re traveling and tempted by unhealthy hotel food or fast-food.
Related Articles:
Do Not Take the New Diet Drugs as They Are Linked to Heart Disease