One October 8th, 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a recommendation against physicians prescribing Meridia (sibutramine) due to concerns about cardiovascular risks in patients using the drug long term. This was based on results from the SCOUT (Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial) that they stated showed a 16% increase in "major adverse cardiovascular events." They have recommended that all patients immediately stop using Meridia, and that physicians contact patients right away to ask them to stop and dispose of any unused medication.

Today, the FDA refused to approve the new drug application for Qnexa (Vivus Pharmaceuticals: VVUS), a combination weight loss drug that has been touted as one of the best new weight loss drugs in 10 years. The vote by the panel was 6 in favor, and 10 opposed.

What is interesting is that the panel had no issue with the effectiveness of this drug. In fact, the data presented was extremely compelling as to not only weight loss, but reduction of blood pressure, lipids and blood sugar levels. It also resulted in significant improvements in sleep apnea.

This week's blog could be one of the most important you will ever get! Or it may not apply to you at all. You see, one of the dirty little secrets of the pharmaceutical industry is that many commonly prescribed drugs can cause significant and sometimes severe weight gain. In many cases, it can be very hard to even realize that the drug is responsible, as the weight gain often doesn't occur right away. It may only start many weeks or even months after the medication is first taken. Also, the weight gain is often gradual, and may occur slowly, over a period of years.

In my years of clinical practice, I've had countless people walk through my door loaded down with heavy bags full or pills and supplements. Some of these supplements are expensive, and all of them promise tremendous health benefits. Problem is, most of them are a waste of money.