Qsymia approved by fda

By John D Greene


Over the past twenty-five years, Obesity rates have spiraled to the level nearly 5 hundred million individuals worldwide. The United States leads the world, with a startling 31 % of the population being termed obese.

The health risks most commonly linked to obesity are heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The annual medical costs associated with these ills are astronomical. The risk of health issues are high for those who are overweight, however, when one is obese, the chance of risk rises exponentially.

Bio-pharmaceutical group, Vivus, has developed a product, in hope of rendering a solution to this pandemic problem. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced consent, for the once daily Medication, Qsymia, commonly known as the weight loss pill.

The fact that the FDA is moving to approve a weight loss drug this year, is notably significant. The Food and drug administration has not approved a diet medication in the past decade. Qsymia is a combination drug. In other words, it is actually two separate drugs working together in one pill. Both drugs already have been known to enjoy success in the area of weight loss therapy.

This weight loss drug among other things, is approved under strenuous clinical study. Patients were monitored while on Qsymia for 12 consecutive months. In one study, patients lost an average of 6.7 per cent of body weight, while in the other, patients lost an average of 8.9 per cent. Patients on the highest dosages reported significant body weight loss as high as 22 pounds.

The two drugs that combine to make Qsymia are Phentermine and Topiramate. Phentermine is a stimulant and appetite suppressant, long acknowledged for its advantage for weight loss. Topiramate is an anti-consultant, which also makes people feel more satisfied after eating. Researchers have determined that the innovation of Qsymia is that it targets more than one component that causes people to overeat.

Research also reveals that Qsymia usage correlates to lower blood pressure and the easement of other cardiovascular risks associated with obesity. There is also reported improvement in the sleep disorder known as sleep apnea.

THe weight loss pill will not be sold over the counter. Qsymia can only be obtained by prescription only. Physicians must be committed to regularly supervising the progress of the patient during the diet; making it one of the safest diet protocols available. It is not advised that pregnant women take it, out of concern for the possibility of birth defects. The drug is restricted to use for adult patients who are clinically diagnosed as obese.

Forward thinking physicians and clinics nationwide have read these studies, and started programs to administer this weapon in the arsenal to fight obesity. The local provider in most areas, Equilibrium Weight Loss and Longevity Clinic, offers the drug in the form of extended-release capsules, as part of their medically supervised weight loss protocol. In the face of epidemic obesity, there is promise on the horizon.




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