FDA Approves Weight Loss Drug

Qysmia was approved by the FDA this month. It is the second drug to win FDA approval this summer, the other being Belviq which was approved only three weeks prior. These are the first weight loss drugs to be approved in 13 years. A third one is in review called Contrave. With 2/3s of Americans suffering from obesity, the FDA has changed their stance on the benefits of weight loss pills not outweighing the costs.

The FDA took its time reviewing Qsymia, formerly known as Qnexa, because of fears about the side-effects, which can include a fast heart rate and metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is where the blood becomes highly acidic, and in severe cases can put people into a coma or even kill them. It can also cause kidney stones and damage bones. There is also a risk for birth defects for expecting mothers. There is growing debate over whether it's worth the risk of taking drugs that could potentially damage the heart to fight obesity.