Doctor slams ‘miracle’ diet drug

A LEADING GP has hit out at the decision to sell an obesity drug over the counter.

Dr Kailash Chand believes patients will get a mixed message if Orlistat is available for anyone to buy and lead them to think popping a pill is a miracle cure.

The drug is designed to stop the absorption of fat from food and is intended for use under medical supervision.

Possible side effects include incontinence, flatulence and irregular bowel movements.

He said: “Orlistat has a limited effect in reducing weight and lack of medical supervision could lead to under-diagnosed nutritional deficiencies.

“Making this drug available over-the-counter will add false credibility to the notion that there is an easy pill-popping solution to obesity rather than long-term lifestyle changes — part of the holistic approach necessary in the management of all obese patients.

“Obesity is a real problem in Oldham with an estimated third of the population either clinically obese or overweight and need education and awareness to tackle this potentially serious public health issue.

“Lack of a comprehensive strategy, with subsequent monitoring, of over-the- counter sales means that once a drug is approved to be sold, the effects on the public and individuals are not known.

“With a growing trend to approve over-the-counter medicines for the self-management of chronic conditions, it is crucial that over-the-counter use is better understood.”