A new weight loss drug called Qnexa may not only help control hunger but could also lower blood pressure, according to a presentation given recently at the American Society of Hypertension's annual meeting.
According to researcher Suzanne Oparil, MD of the University of Alabama Birmingham, the two main components of the drug are an appetite suppressant called phentermine and a blood pressure controller called topiramate.
"When the hunger comes back, the topiramate kicks in," Oparil told WebMD. "It was safe and efficacious across a broad patient population -- some who were very obese and some who were less obese, but had metabolic syndrome or high blood pressure."
Patients using the drug in the trial reported side effects including altered taste, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, and headache, all of which were expected by Oparil.
The new medication is expected to see FDA review this summer.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.