Orlistat (Xenical), the most commonly used<unk>  to treat<unk>  and sibutramine (Meridia), a<unk>  that was recently withdrawn due to cardiovascular side effects<unk>  or weight loss<unk> s are pharmacological agents that reduce or control weight. These<unk> s alter one of the fundamental processes of the human body, weight regulation, by altering either appetite, or absorption of calories. The main treatment modalities for overweight and obese individuals remain dieting and physical exercise. In the United States orlistat (Xenical) is currently approved by the FDA for long-term use. It reduces intestinal fat absorption by inhibiting pancreatic lipase. Rimonabant (Acomplia), a second<unk> , works via a specific blockade of the endocannabinoid system. It has been developed from the knowledge that cannabis smokers often experience hunger, which is often referred to as "the munchies". It had been approved in Europe for the treatment of<unk>  but has not received approval in the United States or Canada due to safety concerns. The European Medicines Agency in October 2008 recommended the suspension of the sale of rimonabant as the risks seem to be greater than the benefits. Sibutramine (Meridia), which acts in the brain to inhibit deactivation of the neurotransmitters, thereby decreasing appetite was withdrawn from the United States and Canadian markets in October 2010 due to cardiovascular concerns. Because of potential side effects, and limited evidence of small benefits in weight reduction especially in obese children and adolescents, it is recommended that<unk> s only be prescribed for<unk>  where it is hoped that the benefits of the treatment outweigh its risks.
Anti-obesity medication
Bodybuilding supplement
Lipid-lowering agent
Antihypertensive drug
Anti-aging supplements
Drugs for acid-related disorders
Cholinergic blocking drugs
Caloric restriction mimetic