The growing market for weight loss drugs

The anti-obesity drug market has seen a consistent upswing in growth as new drugs enter the marketplace, offering fresh alternatives for drug-assisted weight loss. With the introduction of Knoll's Reductil (sibutramine) and Roche's Xenical (orlistat), the marketability of these drugs has grown rapidly in recent years.

Competing directly with Reductil in the diet drug market is Roche’s Xenical. Reductil is a reuptake inhibitor that functions on the brain to control hunger by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and serotonin. Sibutramine, besides preventing the reuptake of serotonin, acts to increase the release of serotonin into the brain.

Xenical Orlistat works a bit different as a reverse inhibitor of lipases. It interferes with the action of gastrointestinal lipase in the GI tract. As a result of this, 30% of ingested dietary fat is not absorbed by the body and removed as faeces.

Market penetration is the key to achieving consistent sales figures and one of the keys to market penetration is to build consumer awareness about the need for weight loss drugs. As awareness is growing of the health risks caused by obesity, more and more people are seeking medical guidance in the form of Reductil and Xenical prescription treatments to alleviate their obesity woes. Patients today are better informed about these drug options first hand and are requesting these medications from their doctors.

In addition, as repeated success stories pertaining to weight loss come to the forefront, more and more doctors are beginning to realise the need for anti-obesity pills to help combat weight loss. Most doctors today are happy to prescribe weight loss drugs as they are confident about the outcome. Both Reductil and Xenical have proven to be safe anti-obesity pills that promote sustained weight loss.

Comparing Reductil and Xenical prescription weight loss drugs

People who are serious about losing weight and achieving their dieting goals will know that prescription weight loss pills can help you to lose two times more weight than if you attempt to diet without the use of these weight loss pills.

The active ingredient in Xenical is Orlistat, Sibutramine Hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Reductil. Xenical is a lipase inhibitor whereas Reductil is a satiety enhancer.

Reductil works to block the nerve cells that release and reabsorb serotonin. This means serotonin levels in the blood increase. These act in the brain and enhance the feeling of fullness so that a person automatically eats less and as a consequence is able to lose significant amounts of weight. On the other hand, Xenical blocks the action of the fat-digesting lipase enzymes in the intestine. This stops around 30% of the dietary fat from being absorbed by the body. As it simply passes through the digestive system without breaking down, a person loses weight as a result. However, Xenical Orlistat should be taken with a multivitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition.

Only a medical professional is authorised to decide whether Reductil or Xenical is suitable for an individual. Both these drugs are prescribed to patients if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or more or above 28 with other health problems such as heart disease or type-II diabetes.

These drugs are generally the second line of treatment. First, the individual on his/her own has to make serious lifestyle changes incorporating a healthy diet and exercise regime into their daily routines. Once they have progressed to losing a certain amount of weight, using these lifestyle changes, only then will a physician prescribe these weight loss pills, so that their weight loss effort is boosted. In contrast, these weight loss pills are discontinued if the individual does not lose at least 5% of his/her body weight after 12 weeks on these drugs.

Even if the individual witnesses sustained weight loss with Reductil or Xenical, they must continue to follow a healthy lifestyle. Continuing the reduced-calorie diet and exercise regimen in all earnestness is also recommended with either of the weight loss drugs.

Both Reductil and Xenical have been studied in depth. When Reductil is used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and appropriate physical activity, 77% of the patients can achieve effective weight loss with increased health benefits. While with Xenical an average weight loss of 10% or more of their body weight was achieved in one year as compared to people on diet alone.

Patients have access to the Medical Action Plan (MAP) as well as Change for Life programme with regard to both the weight loss pills. Both of these programmes are 12-month plans. While MAP provides information to help patients follow a reduced-calorie diet providing less than 30% of daily calories from fat and an advice on increasing their activity levels, the Change for Life programme provides motivational support and advice on healthy eating and physical activity to encourage permanent behavioural and lifestyle changes.

There are also side effects to these treatments. The unabsorbed fat that comes from using Xenical can cause loose stools, flatulence, and interference with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K (as a result you will need to take supplements). The most common side effects with Reductil are insomnia, constipation, dry mouth and small increases in blood pressure.

You can now lose weight fast and maintain your weight loss with the use of the most effective weight loss pills on the market. While Reductil is a strong appetite suppressant, Xenical acts as a ‘fat blocker’ that hinders about 1/3 of the calories consumed from being absorbed by the body.