Xenical Gets Tentative OTC Sales Approval

Over the counter (OTC) sales of Xenical, under the name Alli, are not far off now that GlaxoSmithKline has been awarded a conditional approval for its fat-blocking drug.

Known generically as orlistat, the pill helps prevent fat from being absorbed by the body but can cause excess gas and oily discharge.

If it wins final approval, it would be the only FDA-endorsed weight-loss drug available without a prescription. Company officials have said nonprescription sales would help fight soaring obesity rates in the United States, making it easier for overweight Americans to seek treatment.

But some experts have expressed concern about people regaining weight after they stop using the drug, as well as whether people will be able to tell if it is safe for them without a doctor's advice.

The drug can also lead to hepatitis, gallstones and kidney stones, although the exact cause is not clear.

This is a huge mistake in my opinion. Not only are there the health risks mentioned above, but there is the general ignorance of the American public. People have a "more is better" mentality that, with this drug, could pose serious health risks.

Then there is the reality that people will pop a couple of these pills and head to Krispy Kreme for an all-they-can-eat adventure in intestinal distress. Or the guy with heart disease who isn't supposed to eat saturated fat (red meat) will go to some fast-food place to get a few triple cheeseburgers with bacon, and then wonder why he is having chest pains.

Seriously, though, making a fat-blocker available OTC is going to encourage people to eat things they know they shouldn't, which isn't going to help improve the obesity rate. It's also going to give those with body dismorphic disorder another tool with which to abuse their bodies.

This is a bad choice that will lead to serious health issues for a lot of people.

The only way we are ever going to solve the obesity problem is with an integral approach that incorporates sound diet and exercise, emotional work, an examination of cultural beliefs about food and our bodies, and an adjustment of our economic system to favor health over profits.

Since we likely can't change capitalism, the other three areas are the best options for ending obesity.