For the first time in 13 years the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new weight loss medications In the past, many researchers viewed alli (orlistat) as medically insignificant, their only benefit being a better appearance, a benefit not worthy of the associated risks  However, as more is learned about obesity and the risks associated with it, FDA members decided the risks associated with untreated obesity were greater than the risks associated with the submitted medications. Weight loss medications have a history of safety issues which has led the FDA to use caution with the approval process. Meridia and Fen-Phen were weight loss drugs removed from the market after their use was associated with an increased risk of heart problems  Even the latest weight loss medications (Belviq and Qysmia) to achieve approval were rejected the first time they were submitted resulting in further testing and continued studies in an attempt to avoid the problems of the past.The medications will be available by prescription in a limited number of certified pharmacies late this year or early in 2013. Before asking for a prescription review the facts and make sure you are ready to make the necessary dietary changes and commit to regular exercise. It's always important to review the safety concerns and possible side effects before starting a new prescription. Also have your medical provider and pharmacist review your medical history and current medication regiment to ensure the drug is indicated for you.Here are descriptions and summaries of the two new weight loss drugs coming on the market soon:Belviq (lorcaserin):

• Granted approval by the FDA in June, 2012
• Manufactured by Arena Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland)
• Works as an appetite suppressant; activates brain receptors for serotonin associated with appetite which may help a person eat less, feel full on smaller amounts of food
• Medication is only effective when taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise. During a year-long clinical trial approximately 50% of non-diabetic participants taking Belviq lost at least 5% of their starting weight compared to 23% of those taking a non-active placebo (of those with diabetes about 38% lost at least 5% of starting weight compared to 16% taking a placebo)
• Approved for use by those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more and those with a BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related health condition (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes).
• Should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing and those taking medications linked to valvular heart disease
• Should be used with caution by people taking certain medicines for depression, migraines, anxiety or thought disorders; used with caution by men suffering from sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma & leukemia
• Most common side effects in non-diabetics are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation; in diabetics common side effects are low blood sugar, headaches, back pain, cough and fatigue

Qsymia:

• Granted approval by the FDA in July, 2012
• Manufactured by Vivus Inc (California)
• Is a combination of two approved drugs phentermine (is the safer part of the unsafe diet drug fen-phen; suppresses appetite by releasing norepinephrine increasing concentrations of appetite-regulating hormone leptin) and topiramate (used to treat migraines and seizures, causes weight loss by increasing calorie burn, increasing feelings of fullness and making food taste less appealing).
• Medication is only effective when taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise. During a year-long clinical trial approximately 70% of participants taking Qsymia lost at least 5% of their starting weight compared to 20% of those taking a non-active placebo
• Approved for use by those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more & those with a BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related health condition (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes).
• Should not be taken by pregnant women, people with glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, or who have an unstable heart condition or a recent stroke; those taking certain antidepressants (MAOI) or those allergic to phentermine or topiramate
• As a requirement of its FDA approval extensive safety information must be included in a medication guide designed to inform patients about Qsymia