So the FDA has approved Lorcaserin as a weight loss drug. This is the same drug they turned down on the 16th of September 2010 due to its safety and efficacy record. Nothing has changed about the concerns that Locaserin can cause heart damage. The FDA approved the drug under the conditions that it only be offered to individuals with a BMI of 30 or over, or to those with a BMI of 27 and other comorbidity risks like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

Locaserin is a 5-HT2C receptor agonist that acts on Serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus and is supposed to stimulate a sense of satiety. The problem is there are 5-HT2C receptors in other areas of the brain like the choroid plexus, cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, amygdala and thalamus. Its not yet understood what the effecdts on these other areas of the brain will bring as side effects.

5-HT2C is a form of Serotonin and its well understood that Serotonin plays a role on heart valve function and damage. This is where the real concern is. The FDA is requiring Arena Pharmaceuticals to do a post-release followup study on the patients.. um.. sorry.. I mean Human Guinea Pigs who choose to use the drug to try and lose weight.

This is yet another example of the FDA catering to its clients. Many people will most likely develop heart problems and shortened lives to become test subjects for Locaserin. After all.. proper nutrition and exercise are just too hard to use to get healthy.

One last note.. I'm 6"1' and 228 pounds and lean. Yet, under the new FDA guidelines for Lorcaserin I am eligible for a prescription as I am exactly 30.1 BMI. Funny.. I never think of myself as obese but I guess I am.