Meridia

Meridia is a prescription medication marketed by Abbott Laboratories. Meridia is an appetite suppressant that is used along with a diet and exercise plan to reduce weight and claims to work in the area of the brain that signals the sense of fullness.

Meridia is intended for overweight people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Meridia’s main ingredient is Sibutramide. The product’s Website states that “Meridia is not for everyone.” It claims that the product “substantially increases blood pressure or heart rate in some” and is not recommended for those with “uncontrolled or insufficiently controlled hypertension, history of heart disease, stroke, and severe liver or kidney disease.” Meridia is taken once a day, and will cost $90 for a month’s supply.

Why You Might Buy:

• May be helpful to some seriously obese individuals.
• Website seems to provide warnings about product.
• Manufacturer seems to promote exercise and diet.

Why You Won’t:

• Requires a prescription and is a controlled substance.

• Contains ingredients that may increase blood pressure.
• Has been linked to cardiovascular problems.
• Weight loss is very slow. In one 12-month study, the average weight loss in patients taking Meridia, 10 mg daily, was about 10 lb.

Overall

Meridia may be a good option for severe overweight individuals that have tried other treatments. However, Meridia seems to have enough disturbing side effects that for a typical dieter who simply wishes to lose weight, they may want to try some effective capsule supplements currently available without a prescription.

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