FDA Approves New Weight-Loss Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an injectable weight-loss drug called axenda (liraglutide). The new medication can be used for obese or overweight adults to help them lose weight if they're struggling with at least one weight-related health problem such as hypertension or Type 2 diabetes.

"Obesity is a public health concern and threatens the overall well-being of patients," said Dr. James Smith, acting deputy director of the division of metabolism and endocrinology products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in news release. "Saxenda, used responsibly in combination with a healthy lifestyle that includes a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, provides an additional treatment option for chronic weight management for people who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition."

For the study, researchers conducted three trials that involved 4,800 obese or overweight participants with or without weight-related health conditions. All received healthy lifestyle counseling along with the drug, according to News Everyday. 

Findings revealed that non-diabetic participants on Saxenda lost an average of 4.5 percent in weight after one year, while 62 percent of those on the drug lost at least five percent of their body weight.

In the placebo group, only 34 percent of the people lost about five percent of their body weight.

Furthermore, they discovered that Type 2 diabetes had an average weight loss of around four percent after one year, according to the Utah People's Post. For those who received Saxenda, close to 49 percent of them also lost at least five percent of their body weight. In the placebo group, another 16 percent achieved similar weight loss results.

Common side-effects of this glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor include constipation, low blood sugar, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea. More severe but rare side-effects will include decrease kidney function, suicidal thoughts, increase heart rate, gallbladder and pancreatitis.

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