another wonderful diet pill?

I understand that the research is showing that orlistat helps to increase the amount of weight that a person can lose, but does it solve the problem? Can it help defeat the issue of obesity in America or even in an individual?

It's been awhile since I've read any research regarding orlistat, but from a behavioral point-of-view, I don't see the pill becoming OTC helping the majority of people.

For a lot of Americans, the issue of obesity is ultimately a behavioral and emotional issue. So my question for those that would advocate for the use of orlistat would be; once the suggested six month period is over, is the person's behavioral and/or emotions responses to their weight improved?

And if they have not changed, what would allow/empower the individual to maintain the weight loss that they have had within the last six months?

A statement made in the msn article highlights this:

The pill’s effect ends once its use is stopped, said Dr. Julie Golden, a medical officer in the FDA’s division of metabolism and endocrinology products. A previous study showed a progressive weight gain in patients after they discontinued use of orlistat, she said. Quesnelle said people could resume use or seek help from a doctor if they gain weight.

I'm wondering what the doctor might suggest to the person that has taken orlistat and comes to his/her office asking for help because they've gained the weight back? Possibly behavioral changes like exercise or dietary changes? I really don't know.

The interesting thing is this quote came from the same article:

Glaxo said the drug helps the overweight slim down only when combined with a diet and exercise regimen. The drug’s actual effect on weight loss is “gradual and modest,” said Steve Burton, Glaxo’s vice president of weight control.

So orlistat only works when combined with an exercise and diet program anyway. So does the added weight loss from taking orlistat ultimately lead to better health down the road?

My fear is that if this becomes an OTC medicine that it will only give false hope to the potential user. Sure GSK doesn't claim that this is a cure all, but for the person that has tried many times to lose weight in the dieting yo-yo, this may be seen as another chance. And I can guess that it will be marketed to support their hope.

I'm sure that there are circumstances that orlistat is useful. A doctor should be helping you determine that, which I'm by no means a doctor. But I have helped people lose weight... and their is no pill that will change the behaviors and emotions that an individual has regarding their weight.

Three things that I believe can help are:

1. re-establish a mindful approach to eating... understand what / why you eat

2. increase your physical activity in gradual and consistent patterns

3. make sure that when you do eat, the food is appealing (emotionally) and nutrient dense

I realize it isn't easy. But the process of changing and improving is what makes life enjoyable, and shouldn't be something we always dread.