These drugs are used to help obese people lose weight and keep it off as long as they eat a reduced calorie diet. They decrease the amount of fact that is absorbed by the body.
Recommended Resources
Current Strategies in Development of Antiobesity Drugs and Their Safety Concerns
This review paper discusses the importance of fighting obesity as it is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, among many other conditions as well as the problems with previous medications which fight obesity. It goes on to discuss the current state of antiobesity medications and what precautions need to be taken by patients who use them.
http://vet.sagepub.com/content/46/1/10.abstract
FDA Issues Early Communication About Weight Loss Drug Orlistat
Consists of a United States Food and Drug Administration news release issue which delineates concerns about Xenical and Alli. The release goes on to explain that there have been reports of liver injury in some patients and that it is reviewing the drugs.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm180057.htm
Displays data about orlistat, which is marketed under brand names Xenical and alli, why it is prescribed, how it should be used, and what precautions need to be taken as well as other information which is important to know.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601244.html
