Addiction drugs may boost weight loss

Throughout day-to-day life, obesity has a significant impact especially in the US and more and more in the UK. Obesity is affecting individuals of all ages and is causing strain on health care. The combination of Naltrexone and Buropion are suggested to facilitate the process of weight loss.

This hard-news story provides the reader with hard facts. The author builds on the current and past research, creating a reliable base from which the reader can gain an understanding. The link to the Lancet report is provided at the bottom of the page enabling further investigation. However, there is no link to the UK study of which greater detail is provided in the article. The details give the reader the feeling of having a thorough review of the research and reducing the need to read around the subject. As a rule, this holds true as the BBC is a credible website. Nevertheless, when reading less credible websites it is important for the reader be more cautious of trusting information given.

Furthermore, by using quotes provided by Professor Nick Finer, an obesity expert from University College London (UCL), the author increases the article’s credibility. Also by explaining the placebo effect, it allows individuals with non-science backgrounds to follow the effects of the study. In giving the reader access to the results stated in the findings, (which included specific data and side effects), the author has made it easy to follow through what was been accomplished up to this point, thus engaging the reader’s trust.

But she does not stop there. To increase the reader’s line of thought a further idea of drug regulation and health risk is brought forth. Again backing such ideas using expert Professor Frank Greenway’s quotes. Individuals are made aware that the drug (which affects appetite and reward centres in the brain) might be a quick fix to weight loss.

The article concludes with a quote that could make readers a little sceptic of the research. They say they work in the best interest of the patient, but do they? When thinking of the money that is made from such drugs, there seem to be other intentions.

Obesity drug fears investigated

Women are especially affected by current society trends that skinny/thin is beautiful. To achieve this may cause them to use ‘Alli’; a quick fix to solve their problems. The author of the article wants to reveal what people thought of as a short cut to their weight problems comes at a cost: Peoples’ health. The research used to back the negative claims is provided by both the US and UK national health bodies. This increases the readers’ sense of trust of the validity of the findings.

The news story has the same structure as a journal article, providing the most recent claims of anti-obesity drugs causing liver damage. The author writes in a clear and no scientific language making it easy for the reader to follow and become intellectually engaged. The reader is given an insight into recent reports, including the number of people affected, who the drug is targeted at and how it works in the body. Following on with the impact and reports of liver damage in the last 10 years.

The whole article leans more towards the negative impact. Simultaneously laying out the positive effect (50% more weight loss than dieting alone). This does give the reader the freedom to make up their own mind, however, consistent references to serious side effects diminishes the impact of the positive aspects of the drug. The author shows concern in providing the reader with a list of symptoms in case they still want to use the product they should be aware of.

Subsequently moving to the actions that are being undertaken including product review. Concluding with two controversial statements by the pharmaceutical company suggesting that Alli only specifically affects the gastro-intestinal track and that there is no obvious biological mechanism that would damage the liver. These of course this leaves the reader to think twice next in using a quick fix.

This blog has risen from the idea that online it is possible to get all sorts of information giving us tips on our health. What works and what doesn’t? But do we really know if it is possible to trust these sources? The goal of this blog is to discuss the evidence that lies beneath its claims.