Overweight Oklahomans: New Prescription Diet Pill Inches Closer To Approval

More than two-thirds of American adults, including many in Oklahoma are overweight.

The Food and Drug Administration is looking at a new prescription diet pill that could be a breakthrough and a Broken Arrow doctor says that is good news.

An FDA committee approved Qnexa this week. It's already been rejected once, but Qnexa was up for committee approval again and this time it passed.

It was rejected the first time because of possible side effects, including birth defects, heart trouble and psychiatric problems.

It passed this time, because the manufacturer promised to monitor it closely, even require special training for prescribing it. But a recent test study showed big potential.

Among thousands of test users, the average weight loss was ten percent in the first year.

A Broken Arrow physician says for people looking for weight-loss answers, that's a big number.

"If that occurs, all the concerns about morbidity with diabetes, and the implications of diabetes and heart disease are reduced. And that is something that would be huge," said Dr. James Campbell.

Qnexa has come closer to approval than any other prescription diet pill has in the last 13 years.

The pill is up for a final FDA vote in April, and if there are no more roadblocks, it could hit the shelves this year.