Top UK newspaper rates weight loss drug Reductil as 'safe and very effective'

The rating was part of an article that examined and compared eight different weight loss methods. The study was prompted by the fact that one in five women in the UK is obese. In England, obesity has trebled since 1980.

Dr Ian Campbell, Chairman of the UK's National Obesity Forum, pointed out, 'Diabetes, heart disease and cancers are all on the increase as a consequence of the rapid growth of obesity in the UK.'

Ibrahim Aql, Commercial Director, Abbott Laboratories Gulf Region said, 'This feature by one of the world's top ten selling newspapers helps reinforce our message on Reductil's effectiveness. The drug is now approved and available in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and other key Middle East countries. With over 35% of people in the Gulf estimated to be overweight, Reductil can play a major role for people wishing to lose weight and maintain the lost weight in a planned and balanced way.'

Reductil is one of only two anti-obesity drugs available on the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The drug tricks the body into feeling full by making it feel satiated. The benefit, according to the Daily Mail, one of the world's top ten selling newspapers, was 'weight loss with few side effects'. The verdict was that Reductil had been extensively researched, and was safe and effective in achieving good results over periods of up to two years. The drug helps encourage long-term lifestyle and habit changes.

The study pointed out that Reductil helped dieters eat 20% less food, and that patients had lost around 20lb (9 kilos) over six months. One patient had even reported losing 7 stone (44.5 kilos) in a year, having combined the treatment with an exercise regime.

Seven other weight management treatments were examined. Criticisms of other drugs ranged from 'embarrassing side effects' to 'mood stimulation' and lack of effect.

The worldwide increase in obesity and overweight has lead to great concern over the increased health risks associated with what is now recognised as a medical condition. Overweight patients have higher risks of contracting Diabetes, Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia. Clinical trials have proven that achieving weight loss of between 5% and 10% reduces the chances of suffering one of these conditions.