The FDA Just Approved a New Prescription Weight-Loss Drug. Here ’s How It Works

In a rare move, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a novel prescription drug meant to help with weight loss and weight management. The drug, called Plenity and developed by Gelesis, has been cleared for overweight or obese adults with a body mass index of at least 25, even if they do not have other health problems. It should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise, the FDA says, and can also be taken alongside other weight-loss medications. That sweeping approval is noteworthy, says Dr. Caroline Apovian, who has studied Plenity in Gelesis-sponsored research and is the director of nutrition and weight management at Boston Medical Center, because most weight-loss treatments are available only to patients with a BMI of 30 or above, or who have other weight-related health issues. “Right now, between a BMI of 25 and 30 we have a big treatment gap. If you’re overweight and you have no [other issues]…all we have to offer is lifestyle,” Apovian says. “Now, there is a treatment.” It has traditionally been difficult to find science-backed, non-surgical weight-loss aids that work. Aside from Plenity, the FDA has approved only five prescription weight-loss drugs, and has repeatedly warned consumers against taking products claiming they can cause weight-loss “miracles.” Over-the-counter dietary supplements promising weight loss — which are not regulated by the FDA — also tend to be ineffective at best, and...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized medicine Source Type: news