Ten times the number of hospital admissions relating to obesity have been recorded this last year. There has been a jump of 1,000 cases than was previously reported in 1999. These admissions include weight loss surgeries and complications that arise from being obese like breathing problems and diabetes. And now children will be allowed to undergo weight loss surgeries from the age of 16 if they have type-2 diabetes.

Perhaps the positive news regarding Qnexa, Vivus’ wonder drug, will mean that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) will approve the drug in the US. If this happens, Vivus will make an application to the European Medicines Association for the license of the drug in the EU. Phase III trials have gone very well for the company and patients who participated in the trial achieved lower levels of blood pressure and lower levels of cholesterol two years after they began taking . Most patients taking the drug can, after time, stop taking their existing medications for diabetes and blood pressure.

The drugs association with birth defects is stalling its progress but we should expect more news from Vivus shortly.

Obesity is the main cause of diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses and cancer and if diet and exercise have been exhausted as a means to lose weight, the only option available in the EU with a license is Xenical and can be purchased on prescription from online clinics or at a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription.