ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- While welcoming the new
prescription appetite suppressant Meridia to the marketplace, the American
Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) cautioned the dieting public to not
look at the new medication as a ``miracle cure'' for overweight and obesity.
``Meridia certainly has the promise of being a useful tool in the medical
treatment of obesity, but overweight people should not embrace any medication
as the only way to lose weight and keep it off,'' said Larry A. Richardson,
M.D., Spring, Texas, president of the 1,500-member national medical society
whose members specialize in treating obesity and associated conditions. Knoll
Pharmaceutical Co. announced today that it has begun distribution of the
medication to wholesalers and pharmacies nationwide.
``Historically, we know that prescription appetite suppressants help people
lose weight and can be very useful in a comprehensive medical weight
management program,'' he said, ``but a comprehensive weight loss program must
include changes in diet and nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modifications if
it is to be effective in the long term.
``These medications, including Meridia, can be a useful adjunct to a weight
loss program for persons who are seriously overweight, but are not appropriate
for persons wishing to lose only a few pounds,'' he said.
Dr. Richardson said that Meridia, like other anorectics, or appetite
suppressants, is intended for patients whose body mass index (BMI) is 30 or
more, or 27 if other risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.)
are present.
Formed in 1950, ASBP is a national professional medical society of
licensed physicians who offer specialized programs in bariatrics -- the
treatment of obesity and associated conditions. The society conducts an
extensive program of continuing medical education to ensure that the
physicians are able to use the newest and most effective techniques in
treating obesity and provides information to the public.
Information about ASBP or obesity treatment may be obtained by calling
(303) 770-2526 or visiting ASBP's website at http://www.asbp.org/bariatrics.
Thursday February 12, 5:18 pm Eastern Time
New Diet Drug Is Not a `Miracle Cure,' says National Medical Society
Company Press Release
SOURCE:
American Society of Bariatric Physicians