On June 17, 2012 FDA approved Lorcaserin for medical treatment of obesity with BMI (Body mass index) >30 or BMI >27 in case of associated diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Body mass index is arrived at by dividing the weight in Kgs by square of height in meter i.e. Kg/square meter.
It produces moderate weight loss, recommended along with lifestyle modification and physical exercise.
This a selective stimulator of the 5 hydroxy triptamine receptors located in brain, those in hypothalamus being stimulated bring satiety resulting in less food intake.
There is some chance of getting cardiac valvulopathy, but the trails showed similar incidence in comparison to placebo. However, echocardiogram at regular intervals is recommended. Other side effects are minor and are tolerable.
Published in Medscape