Weight-loss drug not sole fat solution

BOSTON, March 29 (UPI) -- The long-term effectiveness of weight-loss drug orlistat has not been proven, the Harvard Women's Health Watch says.

The Food and Drug Administration is considering a proposal that would take orlistat, sold by Roche Pharmaceuticals under the brand Xenical, over the counter to be available without prescription.

However, a number of people are worried about the drug's effectiveness and potential side effects, the women's organization says in the April issue of its journal.

Weight-loss drugs are just one weapon in the fight against fat being waged by two-thirds of U.S. residents and long-term weight loss requires lifestyle and diet changes, Health Watch says.