Health trends

Weight-loss drug approved

The US Food and Drug Administration last Thursday approved Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management. The drug is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

BMI, which measures body fat based on an individual's weight and height, is used to define the obesity and overweight categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese.

"Obesity threatens the overall well-being of patients and is a major public-health concern," said Janet Woodcock, MD, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "The approval of this drug, used responsibly in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, provides a treatment option for Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition."

Belviq works by activating the serotonin 2C receptor in the brain. Activation of this receptor may help a person eat less and feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. The safety and efficacy of Belviq were evaluated in three randomised, placebo-controlled trials that included nearly 8,000 obese and overweight patients, with and without Type 2 diabetes, treated for 52 to 104 weeks.

- Source: The US Food and Drug Administration

Vein Centers of Jamaica opens

Vein Centers of Jamaica has launched its islandwide, fresh approach in evaluating and treating patients with disorders of the veins. Vein Centers of Jamaica is opening with extensive experience in treating varicose veins and venous disease. Varicose veins and spider veins can be painful and unsightly, and can be embarrassing to patients when they expose their legs. Procedures are performed at the vein centres under local anaesthesia with minimal downtime. Most patients are back to work and enjoying life the very next day.

Methods of treatment are the most advanced in Jamaica, such as foam sclerotherapy, VNUS closure, and other minimally invasive treatments, which are highly successful in the treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, chronic venous disease, and other vein-related conditions. Doctors at the Vein Centers of Jamaica are board certified or eligible in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery with added Qualification in Vascular Surgery and have specialised training in minimally invasive vein procedures. They include Drs Hilary Brown and Bart Muhs.

The main office is located in Kingston and other offices will open soon throughout Jamaica, including Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.

- Source: Vein Centers of Jamaica