Diet Supplement Meridia May Not be the Healthy Choice

Now the FDA and the creators of the weight loss drug are debating whether more studies should have been conducted before the product was marketed. Sidney Wolfe, a researcher who was part of the Meridia research group, made a statement to CNN, “Meridia should have never been approved in the first place.”

Abbott laboratories sponsored the research study. Researchers tested and watched the drug’s effects on more than 10,744 overweight people, as well as obese people. The 10,744 people who were tested with the drug had an ongoing condition of heart disease or type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted over a 3.5 year time span. The results from testing revealed a 28% higher risk of heart attack and a 36% risk of stroke while taking Meridia. The study also found that for people with diabetes it did not decrease or increase the risk factor for stroke or heart attack. They also found that there was not an increase in the death rate for the people who took Meridia during that time.

The FDA and other health officials are deciding whether or not more precaution should be taken. They are thinking of making the guidelines stricter for whomever chooses to use the diet supplement. On September 15, the FDA is scheduled to talk about Meridia.

The maker of Meridia, Abbott Laboratories, may be asked to make the warning label more clearly defined for the public’s health awareness. Meridia already has a warning label stating the risks of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

Other side effects are an increase in blood pressure, heart rate may raise and cardiovascular risk. The benefits of taking Meridia are weight loss results. The same study that was done in 2009 showed that an average of 9.6% of weight loss occurred every year, for each individual who used it. Meridia, along with any other weight loss pills, strongly suggests that you eat a healthy diet and follow an exercise routine.

The FDA and Abbott Laboratories do stress that the drug is effective, even after considering its risks. They want the public to know that even though the results of the study showed a slightly negative impact they do not believe it is hazardous to use. Health officials believe it should be cautioned when taken as part of a diet regimen but it is in no way “dangerous.”