Rimonabant : Weight Loss wonder?

Rimonabant is a CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, some say the next generation anti obesity drug. Observations that heroin causes an increase in appetite led to the discovery of the role that the endocannabinoid system played appetite control and subsequent weight problems.

It first came into prominence in 2004 and recent trials have churned out data proving long term safety and superior efficacy in terms of weight loss, improved cholesterol profile, reduced abdominal circumference and even benefits for Type II diabetics.

Patients in the RIO-Europe trial who were on 20 mg of Rimonabant achieved 15-20 pounds weight loss, 7.5 cm waist reduction, 30% increase in HDL and 9% reduction in triglycerides. RIO-North America displayed similar results.

Indeed a promising addition to the armamentarium in our fight against the flab.

Rimonabant (wikipedia)