Slimming pill offers hope for millions
New treatment hailed as a breakthrough set to have ‘terrific’ impact in tackling Britain’s obesity epidemic
A new slimming pill that expands in the stomach could double the chance of diet success for millions of overweight Britons. Experts said the breakthrough treatment was particularly exciting because the tiny gel balls, which expand to fill around one quarter of the stomach, have no serious side-effects. They said the capsules, likely to be sold over the counter, could become “the treatment of choice” for millions of people attempting to lose weight.
A BREAKTHROUGH slimming pill that expands in the stomach could double the chance of diet success for millions of overweight Britons.
Experts said the treatment was particularly exciting because the tiny gel balls – which expand to fill around one quarter of the stomach – have no serious side-effects.
They said the capsules, likely to be sold over the counter, could become “the treatment of choice” for millions of people attempting to shift stubborn pounds, as well as those with more serious weight problems.
Six in 10 of those given the daily capsules in trials lost at least 5 per cent of their body weight, amounting to around 22lb.
The loss equates to around two dress sizes for women.
Britain has the highest rates of obesity in Western Europe, with two in three adults overweight or obese.
The treatment, called Plenity, involves taking three pills before main meals, with two glasses of water.
The capsules contain tiny particles of super-absorbent hydrogel, no bigger than a grain of salt, which then expand in the stomach forming a gel, so that the person feels full.
Scientists said that until now, there has been nothing available that works this way.
Most diet pills involve suppressing the appetite, which carries a high risk of side-effects.
But the capsules, which could be available in the UK as soon as next year, use naturally derived substances to promote a feeling of fullness.
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity conference in Glasgow found that the pills were twice as successful as a placebo given to those attempting to lose weight.
Prof Jason Halford, an obesity expert from the University of Liverpool, said it would make a “terrific” impact on Britain’s obesity crisis if even one in five overweight people took the pill.
“This is a breakthrough for people who eat too much at a meal or find themselves going back for seconds. This will make them feel full more quickly, so that they eat less.”
He said he expected to see the pills sold “off the shelf ” directly to the public in pharmacies, as well as being considered for prescription by the NHS.
Dr Nathalie Farpour-lambert, president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, said: “This could
‘This could be a huge help to millions of people. It is well tolerated, and increases satiety so people eat less’
be a huge help to millions of people. It is well tolerated, and increases satiety so that people eat less. You don’t need a surgeon to do it, you just buy it in a box and swallow a pill. It seems to be easy and effective.”
Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, said he expected the pill to become “the treatment of choice”.
The study of 436 men and women found that those taking Plenity were twice as likely to lose at least 5 per cent of their weight – the clinical definition of diet success. In total, 59 per cent achieved this.
Prof Helen Stokes-lampard, chairman of the Royal College of GPS, said the pill would be an attractive option.
But she said: “We must advise caution about thinking of this as a new ‘miracle cure’ for weight loss, as nonmedical approaches to a healthy lifestyle should always be explored first.”