Dec 28: Sculpted body has become a dream for all in this age where looking good matters. Now a concerted effort has given hope for obese people as the first over the counter slimming pill could be available from next year in Britain.
The pill named as Alli is available in US since June this year and as claimed by its manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) that the pill has helped people to lose 50% more weight than by diet alone.
With its part of side effects like wind and diarrhoea, the pill comes with the age old belief that there is no substitute for healthy diet and regular exercise.
Orlistat, the main active ingredient of the drug helps slimming by preventing absorption of fats in the body.
The manufacturer is seeking permission from European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products to sell Alli in Europe, while the half strength version of Alli called Xenical was available in Britain on prescription.
With the approval GSK will acquire the licence to sell Alli without prescription in all European Union member nations.
John Clarke, President of GSK consumer healthcare, said, "We want to see people achieving gradual, sustained weight loss by using Alli in tandem with a healthy eating, low-fat diet and increased exercise.
“We've said all along that this is no magic pill. If people are looking for a quick fix, this is not it but it is a powerful motivator, helping people lose up to 50% more weight than with diet alone.”
An independent study by the University of Kentucky before it was launched in US showed that the drug was effective in people who were moderately overweight.
Dr James Anderson who headed the study said that low fat diet is necessary to keep the weight off with regular exercise.
A low fat diet is essential to avoid the side effects of diarrhoea, as the drug intake will retard fat absorption which passes out in stool.
Doctors have also cautioned the possibility of drugs interference with the absorption of other vitamins hence it will become necessary to take multivitamins pills with slimming pill.
Many Doctors said that such drugs will perpetuate the myth that obesity can be cured by simply popping the pill which may weaken the effort to promote healthy living through healthy diet and exercise.
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