Collingwood, Feb 19, 2006--- Following the release of the recommendations made by a panel of doctor’s to the Food and Drug Administrator (FDA) for the approval of Xenical, a prescription drug used for weight loss, health and wellness practitioners in Collingwood are concerned over the possible negative impacts.

Xenical, a prescription fat blocker may result in embarrassing gastrointestinal side effects such as; liquid stools, urgency, incontinence, flatulence, and result in nutritional deficiencies.

Dr. Asselin, director of Synergy Health & Wellness Centre in Collingwood said, "I urge doctors to help in the prescription of exercise, sensible eating, stress management, and the use drugs as a last resort in order to end once and for all our struggles with global obesity and overall ill health."

Allowing the public direct access to these kinds of drugs will not solve the underlying problems; inactivity, poor diet, and unresolved stress. This type of quick fix mentality may lead to other problems down the road; diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. What we may be left with is skinny,sick people simply looking for yet another magic bullet.

It would be unwise for the government and policy makers to allow these types of drugs to be available over the counter. They should be supervised and dispensed by family physicians when needed.
 

Contact:
Dr. Rene Asselin

Synergy Health & Wellness Centre
1 First Street, Unit 224
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1A1
(705) 446-5828
drrene@bmts.com

Synergy Health & Wellness Centre
15 Robert Street, West
Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1M5
(705) 720-6011
drrene@bmts.com