Weight Loss Drug Approved in Canada

In a major breakthrough in the battle against obesity, a new weight loss drug has been approved by Health Canada for treatment of adults with body mass index (BMI) 30 or higher or BMI 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

The drug, which has been named colesevelam, is the first of its kind to be approved in Canada and is expected to be available on the market by the end of the year. Colesevelam works by binding to bile acids in the gut, reducing the amount of fat absorbed from food and ultimately leading to weight loss.

According to Health Canada, obesity affects approximately 63% of Canadian adults, and the prevalence of obesity continues to increase. Obesity is a major risk factor for a range of serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

“Colesevelam offers a new treatment option for adults in Canada who are struggling with obesity,” said Dr. Supriya Sharma, Chief Medical Advisor at Health Canada. “While it’s not a quick fix, colesevelam has been shown to be an effective treatment for weight loss in clinical trials, and its approval provides a new opportunity for adults to take control of their weight and health.”

The approval of colesevelam is based on the results of a multi-center clinical trial involving over 1,600 adults with obesity. Participants who took colesevelam in addition to a healthy diet and exercise program reduced their weight by an average of 8.3% over the course of one year, compared to a 1.8% reduction in weight for those who took a placebo.

Colesevelam is not without its side effects, however. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials included constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. In rare cases, colesevelam has been linked to an increased risk of colonic perforation and gastrointestinal bleeding.

As with any medication, colesevelam is not recommended for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as colon cancer, gallstones, or Crohn’s disease, should not take colesevelam. Additionally, colesevelam should not be used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, as it may increase the risk of muscle damage.

The approval of colesevelam marks a significant step forward in the treatment of obesity in Canada. With a new treatment option available, healthcare providers and patients alike will have greater flexibility in managing this complex condition.

“We’re excited to offer this new treatment option to our patients,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Baudry, a bariatric specialist at the University of Toronto. “Colesevelam has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with obesity, helping them to achieve and maintain a healthier weight.”

As colesevelam is set to hit the market, healthcare providers and patients alike are eagerly anticipating its availability. With its approval, a new era in the treatment of obesity begins in Canada.