The Rise and Fall of Sibutramine: A Controversial Weight Loss Drug
Sibutramine, once a popular prescription medication for obesity management, functioned by altering brain neurotransmitters to suppress appetite and enhance feelings of fullness. Despite its effectiveness in aiding weight loss alongside diet and exercise, it was linked to significant cardiovascular risks, including elevated blood pressure and increased chances of heart attacks and strokes. Consequently, it was banned in several regions, such as the United States and European Union, in 2010. Although no longer legally available, it still sometimes appears illegally in non-prescription supplements, sparking ongoing safety concerns.

