For last few decades obesity is the main problem or most common nutritional disorder in developed and developing countries.  When body mass index crosses 30 it is called obesity and in US and many countries in Europe it is like epidemic.

Treatments for obesity vary. Over the years many techniques and theories on how obesity must be treated wore developed. Medication is in some cases the only chance for some patients. Medication should be used with patients with body mass index higher than 30 and in patients with body mass index of 27 who suffer chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol. Medication for weight loss should not be used for cosmetic purposes under no condition.

There are two types of medication in use today for treating obesity. Medication used for weight control which cause symptoms that mimic the sympathetic nervous system and selective CB1 endocannabinoid receptor antagonists. The first class of medication for weight control causes the body to feel “under stress” or “nervous”, they also decrease appetite and create a sensation of fullness. Result of this nervousness is increased fat burning. A major side effect of this class of medication is high blood pressure and increasing of neurotransmitters that control the felling of satiety, at the junction (called synapse) between nerve endings in the brain. Examples of neurotransmitters include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Drugs listed in this class include sibutramine (Meridia) and phentermine (Fastin, Adipex P).

The second class of medication is a selective CB1 endocannabinoid receptor antagonist. This new class of weight control drugs called Zimulti was approved on 21 June 2006 by European Commission for use in all 27 European Union member countries. This drug was developed by Sanofi-Aventis a French pharmaceutical company. The idea for the creation of Zimulti came from the research of marihuana. Scientist noticed that cannabis users experienced increase of appetite after using the drug and have been successful in reversing this process.

Zimulti works by blocking endogenous cannabinoid binding to neuronal CB1 receptors. By blocking neuronal CB1 receptors, Zimulti is actually increasing the feeling of satiety. As a result individuals using Zimulti consume less food than usual.

Zimulti is also being used as a treatment for smoking cessation. Endocannabinoid system in charge for controlling appetite is also is involved in the body’s response to tobacco dependence.

People using medication to enhance their weight loss have to be realistic in their expectations. There is no miracle drug that has the ability to make anybody thin over night. Just as weight is accumulated over time, weight loss also takes time. Medication like Zimulti can only be effective if it is used regularly in prescribed dosage. Overdosing is not advised.

Before you decide using Zimulti or any other prescribed or over the counter medication, prior consultation with your primary health professional and pharmacist is advised. Seek immediate medical attention, if you undergo any side effects for an extended phase of time or any other critical side effects.