The need to develop medication to try to combat the ever growing problem of obesity was a challenge to pharmacists of Abbott Laboratories an American pharmaceutical company. The drug was given Food and Drug Administration approval in November 1997; it was marketed in the U.S.A as Meridia.

The problem with obesity in the developed western world is reaching serious levels and the need to try to combat this has challenged drug companies and the medical profession for years. A large appetite, combined with the accessibility of inexpensive foods, high in calories unfortunately for us, is a formula for disaster.  We know that obesity leads to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes, as well as a number of other serious health conditions which can have drastic implications

Obesity is found a little more among men than women. Stomach obesity is more frequent and occurs in 30 per cent of adult men and, to a lesser degree, in adult women. Obesity and stomach obesity are rapidly increasing, especially in young people. The occurrence of obesity has increased by five fold since the Second World War and many obesity experts now believe we are seriously at risk of developing an obesity epidemic in the Western world in the next generation or even sooner.

The research pharmacists at Abbot, in developing Reductil, had to find a way of suppressing the obese person’s appetite. This was achieved by the development of the chemical sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate. This chemical works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Reductil blocks the nerve cells that release and reabsorb serotonin. This means serotonin levels increase. These act in the brain and enhance feelings of fullness so that you eat less and consequently lose weight.

Your doctor will decide whether Reductil is suitable for you. It will only be prescribed if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or more or your BMI is 27 or more and you have other weight-related health problems. Reductil should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. Taking more exercise is also recommended.