This article is a balanced presentation about the risks and benefits of a weight lost drug (Xenical) that is currently marketed as the prescription medication Orlistat and is under current consideration by the FDA for over-the-counter distribution. Use of xenical along with diet and exercise can result in modest weight loss that may result in beneficial health outcomes. The common side effects (seen in ~70%) of consumers of this medication include flatulence, increased bowel movements, diarrhea and anal leakage.
Estimates cost to be $2-3 /day.
Provides at least a ball park estimate for people about the amount of weight that might be
anticipated to be lost with the use of this medication.
The story explains that about 70% of users experience gastrointestinal
complications and lists some.
While discussion of a particular study is provided, there is no information
about the nature of the study (i.e. randomized or not) and no details that would permit the reader to access the reference.
Brief mention of
medical benefits that can be gained from the amount of weight loss attained with the use of xenical (e.g. lower BP, improved
cholesterol levels, reduced risk of diabetes).
Provides quotes from drug maker, researchers, and public watchdog organization
Article presents
information on weight loss results from xenical, diet, and exercise (7% of body weight) compared with diet and exercise (4%
of body weight) over a 4 year period. The story did not mention sibutramine, another prescription weight loss drug.
Article
includes the fact that the switch in status from prescription only to OTC is under FDA consideration.
Article is about a
medication, xenical, available by prescription that is being considered for sale as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
Come on, NY Times; you must do better than this. Important research doesn’t need hype and the “breaking news” BS doesn’t help readers or patients. https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2022/03/nyt-proclaims-breaking-news/
Our editorial team was blessed to have Sharon as a contributor during our best years. As this obit states, she was “kind, patient, wise, thoughtful and generous.” Thank you, Sharon; now rest in peace. https://journalism.wisc.edu/news/in-memoriam-sharon-dunwoody-1947-2022/
We’ve written about the hype of liquid biopsies for years (see link in comment below). And now this…. https://www.statnews.com/2022/01/12/medicare-shouldnt-cover-liquid-biopsies-early-cancer-detection/
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