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Rimonabant
John Litchfield
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Recent research published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association shows trials of the appetite suppressant
Rimonabant are continuing to show positive results in patients,
even after two years of taking it.
The drug's development started after scientists discovered
that the sharp increase in appetite experienced by many cannabis
smokers, commonly known as "the munchies", is caused by the over
stimulation of the endocannabinoid system in the brain.
By
blocking chemicals called cannabinoids which can cause cravings,
Rimonabant is able to stop people from feeling hungry after
eating to the point of nourishment, reducing the urge to
overindulge. Research shows that the drug can also help reduce
desire for nicotine, sugar and alcohol.
The test patients were advised to take regular exercise and
follow a reduced calorie diet.
They were then split into groups who were either given daily
doses of the drug or a placebo.
On average, the group given 20mg per day lost 7.9lbs more
over the two years than those taking the placebo and around 40%
lost over 5% of their overall body weight, compared with 19% of
the group given the dummy pills.
Patients taking Rimonabant also showed increases in HDL
(good)
cholesterol levels that were significantly higher than
would have been caused by their weight loss alone.
So is this now the best way to lose weight?
Not necessarily. As with all diet drugs, there are potential
side affects. The group taking the drug were slightly more
likely to experience symptoms such as nausea, anxiousness,
influenza and depressed mood disorder.
Also, most of the patients who were switched to the placebo
after one year were seen to regain most of their lost weight by
the end of year two, so unless taken every day over a very long
period of time, it does not appear to be a permanent solution.
While the tests have shown positive results, you can
comfortably and healthily lose 2lbs per week, more than the
majority of the patients involved in the trial, simply by
increasing activity and making sensible changes to your diet.
So like other medical methods, this should be treated as a
last resort rather than the first option looked at when starting
the fight to lose weight.
Update Rimonabant has now received UK
approval and will be marketed as Acomplia |
