If you went to college in the 60s and 70s you may remember the “snacking” or ravenous appetite that sometimes accompanied smoking marijuana. The pot bosses of that day did not realize that future drugs that block cravings would help them shed the pounds they would gain in the next 30 years.
This new drug, ramonabant (affectionately known on metabolism.com as Ramona), branded Acomplia, is currently available in Europe and will soon be available in the United States. The company that makes this drug, Sanofi-Aventis, has been in lengthy negotiations with the FDA to obtain the critical approval needed to bring Acomplia to market in the U.S. There has been much speculation about the reasons for the long delay in obtaining approval. from the FDA. One possible reason is that, although extensive clinical trials suggest that the new drug is safe and effective for weight loss, many experts are concerned about the possible side effects of ramonabant.
Studies show that around 30-40% of obese people taking ramonabant lost more than 5% of their body weight and 10-20% of subjects lost more than 10% of their body weight more than they lost just with the diet. Because Ramona also acts on the liver, it had beneficial effects on triglycerides and other fats in the blood. A reduction in blood pressure has also been observed with Ramona treatment.
Ramona works by blocking an important chemical pathway in the brain known as the endocannabinoid system. Scientists speculate that our body naturally manufactures cannabis-like substances (marijuana, marijuana, reefer erc.), Which interact with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is not only involved in appetite control but is active in many areas of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, mood regulation, bone development, muscle control, blood pressure, stress adaptation, and the reproductive system. Several experts, such as University of Colorado at Colorado Springs biology professor Dr. Robert Melamede, have warned that long-term use of Ramona for weight loss could lead to unwanted side effects involving these other body systems. In fact, depression is listed as one of the side effects that can limit the tolerability of Ramona in approximately 3% of obese subjects in a weight loss study. Nausea was another major limiting side effect.
Industry experts speculate that Acomplia could be available to American consumers this summer, but no one knows for sure. US insurance companies will not pay for weight loss drugs. Only a drug that treats a disease or medical condition will be “covered” by an insurance company. For that reason, it is believed that Sanofi-Aventis will approach the FDA for approval to use Ramona in the treatment of diabetes. This is because many diabetics will see an improvement in their blood sugar level as they lose weight and because Ramona may also have a direct beneficial effect on glucose and cholesterol regulation. It will then be up to the FDA to finalize its review of the drug’s safety and efficacy for this purpose. How long this will take is anyone’s guess.
Meanwhile, we wait and wait and wait for Ramona. We at metabolism.com have been thinking that it might help if our members wrote a song about their feelings about it.
We did a stab and came up with this little song.
(in a Calypso rhythm)
Letter from GPepper, Director Metabolism.com
Oh Ramona, Oh Ramona
Why did you make me so sad?
Xenical is not as sweet as you.
Oh Ramon, my Ramona
I want to get rid of these ugly kilos
I look so smooth and round
Oh Ramona, Oh Ramona
Why did you make me so sad?
I’m just strong flavor from some melted yellow cheese.
Oh Ramona, Oh Ramona
I don’t know if you are a sinner or a saint
You make my liver happy, but the rest of my body complains.
Add your comments and your own song to the blog at metabolism.com. It can help you feel better.
Only you and your doctor can decide which medical treatments are best for you. Articles on metabolism.com, like this one, are intended for educational purposes only and should not be used to guide you in your health care. Talk to your healthcare professional before committing to change or start medical treatment plans.
Gary Pepper MD
Chief editor