Your Health: Feb. 1, 1999

GOOD NEWS

Diet Pill: Effective, If Messy

In a study released last week, obese dieters taking the drug Orlistat lost more weight (19 lbs.) in the first year than dieters taking a placebo (13 lbs.) The drug also helped them keep the weight off. Side effects include cramps and "fecal incontinence." The drug awaits FDA approval in the U.S. but is now being sold in Europe.

Food Supplements Online

Looking for the latest on zinc, fish oil or St. John's wort? Check out www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/IBIDS You won't find full-length scientific-journal articles, but you will be able to read research citations...