By Jordo Bivona - June 4, 2012 | Tickers: ABT, AMLN, GSK, SNY, VVUS | 0 Comments

Jordo is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.

Right from the outset, a child is exposed to a number of body image ideals that establishes the fact that our society places a lot of importance on the way we look. Though naysayers dismiss the importance of one's looks and physical appearance, we all know it way to well that our physical appearance is responsible to some extent for the way we are treated by people around us. With that in mind, the sensitive issue of being overweight always comes into picture. What one needs to understand is the difference between obesity that is linked with lifestyle patterns and obesity that is linked to medical or genetic causes.

In either case, the overweight individual experiences an immense pressure from within and from friends and family to reduce weight either for aesthetic or medical reasons. Either ways, being proactive about losing weight is always a good idea. However, the route to losing weight is what bothers most people. Dietary changes and regular exercise are extremely crucial in the reduction of weight and maintaining a healthy body. Moreover, lifestyle changes can impact a person's quest to losing weight as well. The most controversial of allweight-loss approachesis pharmacotherapy.

It is controversial because many people misuse weight loss drugs and still many others take the wrong ones, when they may actually require justlifestyle management techniquesincluding dietary changes and an active lifestyle. It is rather difficult to pinpoint and declare who would benefit the most from weight loss drugs. Most physicians agree that those who are morbidly obese and those who are at risk of severe health problems due to their obesity require weight loss medications.

If we were to consider pharmacological agents that reduce or control weight, we would have to wade through murky waters. FDA has approved only orlistat (Xenical) for long-term use. By inhibiting pancreatic lipase, it reduces the absorption of fat in the intestine.GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK)sells Orlistat as Alli in the U.S. and the U.K. whereasRoche Holding AG (RHHBY.PK)sells it as Xenical in other countries.

There are also generics of orlistat available in Russia and India. It has a risk of liver injury, but the documented cases are few andfar between. Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that helps by quelling pangs of hunger. It was marketed byAbbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT)until it was withdrawn from the market due to cardiovascular events and strokes. This drug is similar to Rimonabant, which was withdrawn from the market bySanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY)back in 2009 due to several risk factors.

Amylin Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: AMLN)Exenatide is used to treat diabetes but is sometimes used as a weight loss drug as well. However, it is recommended only for those who have Type 2 Diabetes. Amylin's other diabetes drug pramlintide is currently being tested as a treatment for obesity among those who do not have diabetes. Green tea extract, raspberry ketone and other herbal extracts have been used to treat obesity with varying degrees of success. Nonetheless, we must bear in mind that weight loss drugs and treatments by major pharmaceutical companies are very few.

Of the newer drugs that are being investigated, I am particularly impressed withVivus' (NASDAQ: VVUS)Qnexa, which is a combination of the drugs phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is known to suppress appetite, while topiramate is used as an anticonvulsant but causes weight loss as a side effect. FDAvoted to recommendQnexa as an obesity treatment option in February 2012. Final approval will happen sometime later in 2012. This is certainly going to drive Vivus' stock up the mark and seems to be a very promising drug to help people lose weight.

We must also consider pTeroPure pterostilbene, which is a pure form of trans-pterostilbene found in fruits and the bark of certain trees. Pterostilbene is known to have health properties similar to red wine, as it contains resveratrol. In fact, the company thatdeveloped the ingredient,ChromaDex (CDXC.OB)won the 2010 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Most Promising Ingredient of the Year. pTeroPure pterostilbene is expected to be used in the treatment of cancer, blood pressure, diabetes, stress and anti-ageing. It is also expected to be a great weight loss drug but that is something that will have to be observed through the next few months.

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VIVUS, Weight Loss, and the Patient Investor

When considering any type of weight loss surgery, it is important to know all of the potential side effects that come along with it. For instance, one of the most prevalent and most effective types of weight loss surgery, known as gastric banding, also carries a high amount of risk for those that use it. However, for people that qualify for gastric bands, the risk usually merits the return that often comes along with it. This is because the gastric banding obesity surgery is reserved for those that have a BMI or body mass index, at a very unhealthy level, usually around 40. For these people, weight loss surgery may be the best choice because their quality of life is much lower than it is for healthy weight individuals. Gastric band surgery is not without its potential setbacks, many of which include abdominal pain, constipation, seepage, infection, internal bleeding, and nausea. It is a good idea to know these facts when considering gastric banding because it also requires a minor change in lifestyle. For those that have gastric bands, food monitoring is more necessary than with most other weight loss surgery aftermaths.

This is because the body must still receive all the necessary nutrients that it did when not banded. So the individual that has undergone this surgery must know the amount of nutrients that they must consume to keep their weight down and keep their bodily functions at an all time high. The body must operate healthily during the time of which the gastric band is on the top portion of the stomach. Any additional complications can result in any number of adverse side effects.

Knowledge is absolutely necessary when looking at any kind of weight loss surgery. It is important to know all the possible side effects.

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Can Weight Loss Surgery Hurt Me?

NEW ORLEANS, LA--(Marketwire -06/04/12)- GenoVive, a pioneer in DNA-based, all-natural weight management solutions, today announced the company's first international partnership with Bariatric Support, one of Mexico City's leading bariatric support centers that offers a multi-disciplinary approach to prevention, wellness and weight loss. The partnership brings GenoVive's innovative approach to weight loss to Mexico, including the use of DNA testing that identifies an individual's unique genetic make-up that is the basis for customized meals and exercise plans to optimize weight loss and encourage long-term weight management.

As people in the United States and around the world continue to realize the harmful effects of obesity, GenoVive remains committed to the continued development of a long-term and comprehensive solution to weight management based on individual genetics and personalized nutrition and exercise. The company was founded to exploit the emerging field of nutrigenomics, which is the study of the effects of foods on gene expression and the role certain genes play in weight gain.

GenoVive's partnership with Bariatric Support will also allow for further research into how different cultures and ethnicity affect weight gain, loss and management. In fact, Mexico has the second highest incidence of obesity topped only by the United States.

"Bariatric Support is the ideal partner to launch GenoVive's breakthrough weight management science outside of the United States," said Vic Castellon, founder and CEO, GenoVive LLC. "Bariatric Support enjoys a solid reputation in Mexico City as a leader in weight loss programs. They have an active base of individuals who desire to lose weight in a healthy manner by getting to the root of their weight management challenges through meals and exercise programs developed specifically for their genetic profile. GenoVive remains committed to growing its program in the United States, and now internationally through this initial partnership in Mexico."

"GenoVive's innovative approach to weight loss based on DNA analysis and all-natural meal programs has already resonated tremendously with our patients in Mexico City," said Tatiana Palazuelos, nutritionist with Bariatric Support. "GenoVive's program complements our holistic and comprehensive approach to weight loss which includes physician visits and oversight plus nutrition and psychological counseling. We look forward to growing the partnership to benefit our patient base who desire customized weight loss programs that will work for the long term."

GenoVive's program starts with an easy-to-use, in-home DNA test. GenoVive analyzes the results and designs ideal weight management programs with home-delivered meals based on optimum fats, carbohydrates, proteins, plus exercise that works best with an individual's personal genetic makeup to increase the chances for long-term weight management. Each meal has been created with an optimal balance of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, and at calorie levels that support healthy and sustainable weight loss.

Because food carries information to genes about the environment and serve as signals to our surrounding cells and can change the expression of certain genes, GenoVive is one of the only national weight management companies to offer meals that contain no growth hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, nitrates, sulfites, artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, or other similar incidental ingredients that may not be required to appear on the label.

"We understand obesity's multifactorial causation including lifestyle, eating patterns, psychological disorders, metabolic influence of our patients," said Denise Arcila, lead psychologist at Bariatric Support. "GenoVive complements and completes our multidisciplinary approach and is the only weight management option in Mexico to offer all-natural meals designed for our patients' unique genetic profiles. GenoVive is an easy and effective tool for our patients to learn about portion control while eating nutritionally balanced, all-natural meals which will help them control their weight and health over the long run."

Claudia Gonzales, founder and dietician, Bariatric Support, has been working with obesity patients for nearly 15 years, is already seeing results from patients on the GenoVive plan. "The ability to customize our patients' meals based on their specific genes helps them see results faster and encourages them to make even more lifestyle changes that lead to sustainable weight loss."

About GenoVive LLCFounded in 2008, GenoVive, a division of Genvis Bio Group, LLC, based in New Orleans, LA, represents a new approach to weight loss and sustained healthy eating. GenoVive's geneticists and food scientists developed customized, all-natural meal and exercise programs, featuring ideal combinations of macronutrients based on individual DNA. GenoVive is sold directly to the consumer at GenoVive.com and by phone with convenient home delivery. Follow GenoVive on Twitter @myGenovive, Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GenoVive, and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/GenoVivednadiet.

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GenoVive Launches in Mexico; Announces Partnership With Mexico City's Bariatric Support to Bring DNA-Based Weight Loss ...

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

A recent weight loss study shows that when participants know their genetic make-up, they have greater success losing weight and lowering their Body Mass Index (BMI). The California Schools VEBA - Pathway Genomics Corporation study evaluated weight loss results of 179 overweight California school employees. Results at 6 months showed that when employees took the Pathway Fit genetic test (of approximately 100 different genes and their variants related to sugar and fat metabolism, eating behaviors, best diet, micronutrients, and other parameters), they had significant weight loss success (some lost up to 40 pounds) when compared to employees who had previously tried to lose weight, under similar conditions, without the genetic test.

Both groups of employees worked with a VEBA health coach to help them develop an exercise and nutrition plan, and all received the same standard of care. However, the employees who knew and utilized their genetic-based diets and behaviors obtained greater weight loss (and other positive effects like decreased blood pressure) when compared with employees who had health coaching and standard of care only.

A participant in the study describes, The genetic study helped me change my overall behaviors and food choices and portion control. The understanding of my overall genes and physical health has helped me work more effectively with my VEBA health coach to achieve my weight loss goals.

The studyconducted in partnership with the California Schools VEBA (VEBA), Healthy Adventures Foundation and Pathway Genomics Corporationcollected interim results in January 2012. Principal investigator, Wendy Hileman, CEO, Healthy Adventures Foundation describes, The findings indicate that when participants have more information about their genetic predisposition, especially concerning exercise, eating behaviors, and diets, they have the validation they need to stick to a tailored program for the long haul, rather than quitting early on.

The Pathway Fit report is a health professional (M.D., D.O., N.P.) ordered saliva DNA test, where the participant simply spits in a plastic tube and sends it to Pathways lab to be analyzed. Through the analysis of genes and their variants (mutations)which are expressed in various organs, such as the brain, stomach, gut, muscle, pancreas, and directly in fat tissueparticipants gain insight about how their bodies process sugars, fats, nutrients and vitamins. This rigorous scientifically validated information is included in a detailed report that shows each participant how he or she may respond to a best diet, certain exercises and eating behaviors, traits such as bitter taste and caffeine metabolism, and his or her potential response to certain foods and micronutrients. Recently, there have been a number of double-blinded studies published showing the utility and positive psychological responses by patients of genetic testing for weight loss or nutrigenomic information (eg. Meisel, et al, Obesity, March 2012)

Michael Nova, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Pathway Genomics, whose team developed the test says, The results of this preliminary study corroborate with the results were seeing in other areas of weight loss and personal nutrition management. When participants gain more knowledge about themselves, including understanding their metabolism, eating behaviors and response to exercise, as well as suggestions on the best ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight given their genetic predispositions, it helps lead them to make better health decisions and behavior changes for the long term.

Because the results were so compelling, VEBA, along with its other study partners, applied for a grant from the Allen Foundation to help it continue to roll out the relatively inexpensive Pathway Fit test to additional high-risk employees at participating VEBA school districts.

About the California Schools VEBA

The California Schools VEBA is a trust that offers school districts and employee organizations buying power and the structure to provide control over a variety of benefit issues. Benefits trusts continue to positively influence the quality of care delivered by contracted carriers and their providers.They also help members attain superior health care choices, rate stability, portability, affordability and quality for education employees.Total participation in the trust includes 40 southern California school districts and associations. The trust serves both employees and their dependents, totaling more than 89,000 members. For more information, visit http://www.vebaonline.com

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Good News for Individuals Struggling with Weight Loss

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 04, 2012

hCGTreatments / Diet Doc Weight Loss announces the only hCG weight loss plan designed to benefit men specifically.

Diet Doc has created another diet program that promotes weight loss to complement mens health. The program combines a detoxifying ketogenic diet that incorporates essential supplements with daily doses of the hCG hormone. Men tend to be less proactive about preventative health measures and less diligent about maintaining their health than women. But nutritional supplements can help men avoid many chronic conditions, states Dr. Rao, Medical Director for Diet Doc.

Diet Docs personalized weight loss program for men includes a focus on heart, prostate and joint health by recommending necessary foods and supplements that support these health factors. With heart disease as the leading cause of death among American men, supplements along with a healthy diet are needed for preventative measures. Diet Doc suggests l-Carnitine and fish oil to their male patients. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and fish oil as well as some plant foods, can decrease the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. And l-carnitine, a supplement not recognized by the medical community just yet, is found to play an important role in preventing fatty buildup, especially in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles, and it helps keep blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in check. This supplement is popular among the health and fitness communities because it is also found to increase the use of fat as an energy source by transporting fatty acids into the energy which is a major source of energy for the muscles, including those of the heart.

Other key health factors for men are addressed by creating a diet plan that includes healthy foods that are full of antioxidants. For example, prostate health is considered by recommending tomatoes, a fruit that is abundant in the powerful antioxidant lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown in several studies to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Diet Doc also uses a ketogenic diet as a base for all of their diet plans. This diet is popular among bodybuilders because it is found to be effective in burning fat and conserving muscle. A low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic diet that is ideal for most people and can be modified to fit anyones needs.

Diet Docs hCG weight loss plans are personalized for each of their patients and dramatic results can be seen in as early as two weeks. With many diets to choose from, Diet Doc seems to offer the most unique, thoughtful, well-planned and cost-effective solutions for anyones weight loss needs.

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hCGTreatments / Diet Doc Announces the Only hCG Weight Loss Plan That Is Designed To Benefit Men’s Health