title: [Drugs against obesity].
abstract: The position of pharmacotherapy of obesity is still controversial. Different groups of drugs are currently available in Switzerland--none is covered by the health insurances. Apparently the authorities are not convinced of their efficacy. Various groups of drugs have been tried, such as amphetamine derivatives, adrenergic drugs, serotonin agonists or hormones with thermogenic effects, intestinal enzyme inhibitors and dietary fibres. The results of sympathomimetic drugs demonstrate a relatively high incidence of side-effects, and with some preparations there is also the risk of addiction. The serotoninergic drug fenfluramine has been demonstrated in several controlled studies to be an effective weight-reducing agent; however, its effect was relatively modest: It lasted only as long as the drug was taken. Fenfluramine is relatively free of side-effects and is reported to diminish 'carbohydrate craving'.
authors.affiliation: Abt. für Endokrinologie und Stoffwechsel, Departement für Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital Basel.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Keller
mesh_terms: D000662:Amphetamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000662:Amphetamines; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D013566:Sympathomimetics
vernacular_title: Medikamente gegen Ubergewicht.