Originally published February 26 2006
Dr. Gourmet weighs in on the safety of Orlistat
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
MyDNA.com interviews Dr. Timothy Harlan, also known as Dr. Gourmet, for his advice regarding the weight loss drug Orlistat.
Earlier this week, a joint U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee voted to recommend approval of orlistat, a prescription-only weight-loss drug commonly known by the brand name Xenical, for over-the-counter sales.
The drug, to be sold under the name Alli (pronounced "al-eye"), will be half of the prescription strength of Xenical, which has been available since 1999.
Pending final approval, which might take several months, Alli would become the first FDA-approved weight-loss medication available without a doctor's prescription.
"Orlistat being released to over-the-counter status appears to be a safe move for consumers," said Timothy S. Harlan, M.D., aka Dr. Gourmet, co-chair of the Diet and Nutrition Channel for Revolution Health Group's Medical Advisory Board.
The drug is used for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance, when used in conjunction with other reduction methods like reduced-calorie diets and exercise.
One large study reported that almost 70 percent of patients receiving the drug - in combination with a healthful diet - lost about 3 percent or more of their body weight within three months.
In clinical trials, obese participants who took Alli lost more than 5-percent more weight during a six-month period than the individuals who were given a placebo.
Harlan cautioned, though, that "many of the trials that were performed did include dietary counseling, as well as other components to promote a healthier lifestyle."
"The research is clear that diet, exercise and lifestyle modification and, in some cases, medication works best for sustained weight loss," he said.
The proposed dose of Alli would be one to two capsules with each fat-containing meal.
It can also reduce one's absorption of vitamins like A, D, E and K and beta-carotene.
Therefore, consumers might want to check with their doctors about taking supplements.
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