DRUG COMBINATION THERAPY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY Obesity, is defined as weighing 20 percent or more above the normal body weight. Nearly 30 percent of the US population suffer from obesity. This condition contributes to 300,000 potentially preventable deaths each year in the United States. During a two year trial period, two drugs, fenfluramine and phentermine, helped to reduce the body weight and to maintain the weight loss in 2000 participants. When taken together, the drugs were more effective and resulted in fewer side effects. Fenfluramine and phentermine control levels of brain chemicals thought to play a role in appetite. Drug therapy is not a “magic bullet” for control of the weight loss and there is a need to exercise and to follow specific diets to reach an “ideal”' body weight. Although this new drug combination seems to be effective in weight reduction, in short-term, it may induce memory loss, depression, dry mouth, constipation, hair loss, fatigue and insomnia. In addition, the long-term side effects of the drug combination are currently unknown. Therefore, these drugs should be taken under the direct supervision of a physician.