What is Lorcaserin, does the weight loss pill work and when was Belviq first released?
EVERYONE who struggles with weight loss has longed for that miracle cure, but it always seem so far out of reach.
However, some experts will have you believe a new drug, Lorcaserin, is set to change that.
What is Lorcaserin?
The drug lorcaserin is currently being marketed as a pill called Belviq, and is a weight-loss solution.
It's designed to treat obesity, and suppresses hunger and makes those who take it feel fuller for longer, despite eating less food.
Its recent approval of safety in the US marks a step forward in the use of diet pills around the world - it's the first diet pill to be deemed safe by the authorities in more than a decade.
Those who suffer with weight-related issues such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure could find Belviq highly beneficial.
Does the diet pill actually work?
According to health officials, it really does work, but it's currently unavailable over the counter.
It's only available on prescription for those who have been clinically diagnosed as obese.
The 10mg tablet is taken orally, and reduces hunger throughout the day.
Clinical trials revealed that 50 per cent of participants lost 5 per cent of their body weight while using the medication, and it showed that weight loss results are normally evident after the first 12 weeks of taking it.
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When was it first released?
The drug has been on sale in the US since 2013, but it isn't cheap, costing around £155-225 a month.
It's yet to be approved for use in Europe.
The new results approving its safety could mean that a UK release in the future is highly likely.