Magic bullet for weight management?

Magic bullet for weight management?

The FDA has approved lorcaserin, the first new weight loss medication in more than a decade. The drug is approved for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater in those with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. Lorcaserin works by activating the serotonin 2C receptor in the brain, which promotes satiety. Approval was based on the results of three randomized, placebo-controlled trials of nearly 8000 obese and overweight patients with and without type 2 diabetes. All participants received lifestyle modification and reduced-calorie diets as well as exercise counseling. Lorcaserin was associated with an average weight loss of 3-3.7% compared to placebo over 1 year. Those with type 2 diabetes experienced favorable changes in glycemic control. There is no evidence of valvulopathy associated with the drug; although serotonin syndrome is a concern, especially when the locaserin is taken with an SSRI or some migraine drugs. The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation as well as hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Lorcaserin will be marketed by Arena Pharmaceuticals as Belviq.