The first anti-obesity drug that does more than merely suppress appetite moved a step closer to the market Wednesday. Government advisers recommended approval of a pill that blocks the absorption of almost a third of the fat people eat. But scientists cautioned that Xenical comes with embarrassing side effects that worsen with the more fat that dieters eat. And taking the pill doesn't mean people can frequent McDonald's and still lose weight, manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche and outside scientists agreed.
Patients learn there are consequences to eating more.
Among side effects, Xenical can cause soft stools and oily leakages as the pill sends undigested fat out of the body so it doesn't wind up instead on dieters' thighs. Xenical also can decrease absorption of vitamin D and certain other important nutrients, the panel warned. They unanimously recommended that Xenical users take carefully controlled doses of vitamin supplements. The FDA isn't bound by advisory panel decisions but typically follows them. Metabolic drug chief Dr. James Bilstad said the agency would make a decision within a month.