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Obesity, a global epidemic, has constantly been addressed by campaigns, doctors and health advocates. Not only does obesity lead to several health complications, such as heart attacks and type II diabetes, it can also lead to more healthcare costs and affect a nation's economy. Even though there are several campaigns encouraging healthier lifestyles and studies that provide evidence regarding the negative effects of obesity, losing weight can be very difficult for some people. Now, for heavier people who found exercising alone ineffective, there are two new prescribed diet drugs on the market to help them trim their waistlines.

These drugs, Belviq and Qsymia, will be the first two new diet drugs for treating obesity available in over a decade. According to the manufacturers, these drugs can boost weight loss by five to 10 percent. The first drug, Belviq, which is sold by Eisai, helps curb weight gain by influencing brain chemistry into telling the individual that he or she is full. This feeling of fullness would ideally stop patients from eating in excess and when this drug is used with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet, people can lose an average of five percent. Belviq, which is available at pharmacies today, costs pharmacies a little under $200 per month. The price for patients who are prescribed will depend on insurance companies and the particular pharmacies.

The other diet drug, Qsymia is produced by Vivus. This drug has been on the market since last September and it works by suppressing appetite by also creating the feeling of being full. From its introduction through to March, there have been around 89,000 prescriptions written for this particular drug. For a month's supply, the costs were around $150 for people who used cash. For people who had insurance coverage, their average monthly cost was $50. This drug has been tied to an average weight loss of 10 percent. These drugs are meant for obese patients who are 35 pounds above the average weight.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, these two diet drugs were approved last summer. However, there are still some side effects that must be discussed with the doctor. Several other drugs are currently being manufactured and would await approval. These drugs would hopefully provide people with another way of combatting obesity. These drugs should also not be the sole method of losing weight.