Nearly 66 percent of the American population is obese or overweight, reports MedlinePlus, providing plenty of fodder for researchers and drug manufacturers. Because of the host of serious side effects that result from excessive weight gain, regulators are eager to approve weight-loss drugs, which often lead to later recalls. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, weight-loss drugs often are approved when research shows the benefits may outweigh the risks.
Features
Over-the-counter weight-loss drugs have not been subjected to rigorous research and are not regulated by a federal agency. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the FDA follows the effectiveness and side effects of OTC weight-loss drugs after the products have been released. Drugs that feature a significant number of complaints and medical complications then are researched and often pulled from the market. Examples of after-market research that resulted in bans include drugs that contained ephedra and country mallow.
Effects
The FDA must approve prescription drugs that claim to aid in weight loss. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, most of the research performed on approved drugs determined that they should only be used for short periods of time. The potential for medical complications has not been established for use of weight-loss drugs beyond two years. The longest study was performed on orlistat, which followed usage for four consecutive years.
Considerations
Weight-loss drug research typically involves tests and studies that include using the drug within certain parameters. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, consumers and doctors who ignore the recommended usage are said to use the product "off label." Off-label use of these medications has not been tested. The practice of using weight-loss drugs in ways that have not met rigorous research standards is common and not illegal. Consumers should ask their doctors about off-label uses and potential risks.
Warning
The risks associated with long-term use of weight-loss drugs and using drugs off-label can be serious. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, most research focuses on the risks of weight-loss drugs for six to 12 months and does not take into consideration rare side effects that could be life-threatening. Most prescription weight-loss drugs are habit-forming and can lead to addiction. Patients also may develop a tolerance for certain drugs, making them ineffective after a period of time. Other common side effects discovered in short-term studies include heart palpitations, high blood pressure, vitamin malabsorption and insomnia.
Potential
In addition to finding alternatives that can help to relieve this nation's obesity problems, drug manufacturers face potentially lucrative markets when their research leads to new weight-loss drugs. According to a July 2010 Associated Press article on Physorg.com, a news organization that follows health and science breakthroughs, drug manufacturer stocks usually rise when new weight-loss research proves beneficial and new drugs near FDA approval. As long as obesity rates continue to rise, the financial impact of breakthrough research may outweigh the safety precautions typically required for approval of new weight-loss drugs, notes the article.
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