Part of a new class of weight loss supplements called cannabinoid 1 Receptor Blockers(CB1), Acomplia is mainly for the treatment of obesity and for the cessation of smoking. It blocks cannabinoid 1 receptors in the brain as well as the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and the adipose tissue, which are vital to the metabolism of glucose and fat. When used in combination with diet and exercise, acomplia can aid those suffering from high levels of fat in the blood and type 2 diabetes. Men with a waist 102cm or larger and women with a waist 82cm or higher will benefit most from this product.
Price: $155/28 pills or $405/84 pills
Ingredients and Mechanism of Action
The makers of acomplia, Sanofi-Aventis have also made other well known supplements such as allegro, actonel, and ambien. As such, they are always conducting research on acomplia and all their other products to improve the product and minimalize side effects. Being that accomplia has been proven successful in fighting certain addictions by manipulating certain parts of the brain, its potential to aid the habitual or stress eater is high. It also uses only one ingredient, 20mg of rimonabant, which minimalizes possible confusion.
Though available across Europe, acomplia is not yet approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Sanofi-Aventis insists approval is eminent and will go through within the next year. But the FDA could be holding back for several reasons, one of them being the side effects. It has been theorized that acomplia could contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Users have also reported depression and tendency toward suicide. In clinical trials conducted, 19% of subjects left the trial due to nausea and vomiting as compared to 13% of those in the placebo group. It has also not been proven in any way to actually aid in weight loss. It has been viewed as a smoking supplement that may or may not actually help with weight loss.
Overall Impression of Acomplia:
The makers of acomplia have been known to make successful prescription supplements. However, when it comes to acomplia, they have not been able to obtain FDA approval for distribution in the United States. With the long list of potential side effects and the fact that it has never actually been proven to specifically aid weight loss, I wouldn’t choose acomplia.