Obesity Care Continuum (OCC) Applauds FDA for Approval of New Obesity Drug

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, members of the Obesity Care Continuum (OCC) applauded the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of a new obesity drug – Belviq (lorcaserin HCl). Belviq is the first obesity drug to be approved in the past 13 years.

"This is a tremendous step forward in addressing our most pressing health problem. Healthcare professionals now have a new option to help their patients affected by obesity manage this chronic condition. We are happy to see this latest evidence that the FDA is joining the effort to treat obesity seriously," said Dr. Patrick O'Neil, President of The Obesity Society.

Dr. O'Neil continued, "At the same time, it is important to understand that this medication will not work overnight or by itself. Lifestyle changes and support from qualified professionals are still necessary. This is an obesity medication, not a diet pill."

The OCC supports the FDA's continued dedication to excellence in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of new obesity treatments. With more than 93 million Americans affected by obesity, it is imperative to continue this proactive momentum and forward-thinking approach with all safe and effective therapies for the disease.

"We are very pleased with the FDA's decision. These are serious medications for a serious issue. In order for us to fight this epidemic, the right patients must receive the right treatment from a qualified physician in combination with a diet and exercise program," said Joe Nadglowski, Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) President and CEO.

About the Obesity Care Continuum (OCC):

With a combined membership of more than 125,000 healthcare professionals and patient advocates, the Obesity Care Continuum (OCC) is dedicated to promoting access to, and coverage of, the continuum of care surrounding the treatment of overweight and obesity. The OCC also challenges weight bias and stigma oriented policies – whenever and wherever they occur. The OCC is a coalition of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), the Obesity Society (TOS), and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

SOURCE Obesity Care Continuum