A new weight loss drug has come under scrutiny, with experts questioning some of the claims made regarding its health benefits, it has emerged.
Rimonabant, which is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis, has been shown to reduce the appetite and aid weight loss.
However, a Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin paper has questioned claims that it also has a positive impact on the body's chemistry by cutting levels of potentially harmful cholesterol, fats and sugars, noting that research has failed to prove that such decreases are due to the drug alone.
The paper suggests that the change in body chemistry could be due to patients starting to lead a healthier lifestyle and exercising more regularly, rather than as a result of the drug itself.
However, the charity Weight Concern has defended the new drug, although medical director Dr Ian Campbell admitted that "more time [is needed] to become fully aware of all its effects".
He told the BBC that rimonabant is "more expensive than other available drugs but should be considered when the benefits of weight loss for the patients can justify the investment".
Rimonabant currently costs around £720 a year, according to the BBC, while Xenical, another obesity treatment which has already been approved for NHS use, costs £520 a year.
Rimonabant, which is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis, has been shown to reduce the appetite and aid weight loss.
However, a Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin paper has questioned claims that it also has a positive impact on the body's chemistry by cutting levels of potentially harmful cholesterol, fats and sugars, noting that research has failed to prove that such decreases are due to the drug alone.
The paper suggests that the change in body chemistry could be due to patients starting to lead a healthier lifestyle and exercising more regularly, rather than as a result of the drug itself.
However, the charity Weight Concern has defended the new drug, although medical director Dr Ian Campbell admitted that "more time [is needed] to become fully aware of all its effects".
He told the BBC that rimonabant is "more expensive than other available drugs but should be considered when the benefits of weight loss for the patients can justify the investment".
Rimonabant currently costs around £720 a year, according to the BBC, while Xenical, another obesity treatment which has already been approved for NHS use, costs £520 a year.
Obesity news : 30/05/2007
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