The over-the-counter obesity drug: the controversy
The drug against overweight Alli must be delivered without order in the summer of 2009. Nearly half of the French population is overweight, an ovation is expected. but this is not the case. On RTL Thursday morning, the president of the Allegro Fortissimo association, Viviane Gacquière, explains her opposition. She sent a letter to the Minister of Health Roselyne Bachelot to prohibit the free marketing of Alli.
Possible abuse
According to her, many women willing to do anything to lose "a few grams" and not at all in a situation ofobesity, could get this drug and abuse it. Viviane Gacquière also claims that this tablet does not work because one would lose only 3 to 5% of its initial weight. Especially since Alli is twice as dosed as his Xenical twin, issued on prescription. A weight loss that would be equivalent to a good one diet and exercise.
Viviane Gacquière finally fears that people rely too much on the effects of Alli. According to her, eating disorders could arise, the style "eat fat without worry because we take a drug While GSK's health manager, Caroline Petit-Keller, says that Alli "is not a miracle pill": it must be accompanied by a diet adapted and physical exercise. The latter however ensures that this tablet is very effective and that we lose 50% more weight than with a diet alone: instead of losing 4 kg we lose up to 6.
Unpleasant effects
In addition, the side effects would be harmful: people who tested this tablet would have diarrhea as soon as they absorb fat, which is useful for food. And this drug would also eliminate good fats such as omega 3.
Finally, the president of Allegro Fortissimo fears that even if pharmacists will give this pill only women overweight, "a round woman comes to buy it for his girlfriend thinner. The role of pharmacists will be to be vigilant and not to deliver this drug to people who do not need it.
=> Alli, what is it?
=> And you, are you for or against this drug over the counter?
