[Anorexigenic drugs in the treatment of obesity]

Author: Maiz A, Kehr J, Grekin C, Reyes E, Charlin V, Fernandez P, Manrique M, Velasco N

Author affiliation: Asociacion Chilena de Nutricion Clinica, Santiago de Chile.

Publication date & source: 1995.05, Rev Med Chil., 123(5):637-40.

Publication type: English Abstract

Obesity is highly prevalent and has several adverse effects on health. Its treatment is thus warranted and must aim to modify dietary and physical activity habits. The opinion of this association is that anorexigenic drugs with cathecolaminergic action (diethylpropion, phentermine, mazindol and phenylpropanolamine) or serotoninergic action (fenfluoramine and fluoxetine) may be used in moderate or severe obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) after a complete clinical assessment and in the context of an integral medical treatment. This association recommends a close surveillance of the use of these drugs, specially when formulated as non-proprietary prescriptions.