The definition of obesity varies depending on what one reads, but in general, it is a chronic condition defined by an excess amount body fat. A certain amount of body fat is necessary for storing energy, heat insulation, shock absorption, and other functions. The normal amount of body fat (expressed as percentage of body fat) is between 25%-30% in women and 18%-23% in men. Women with over 30% body fat and men with over 25% body fat are considered obese.
The calculation of body mass index (BMI) has also been used in the definition of obesity. The body mass index (BMI) equals a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. Since BMI describes body weight relative to height, it is strongly correlated with total body fat content in adults. "Obesity" is defined as a BMI of 30 and above.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. One i...
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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.Redux (dexfenfluramine hydrochloride capsules), an anti-obesity drug, is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and releasing agent. Redux (dexfenfluramine fda removed from us market 9/15/97) is available for oral administration in white, opaque, hard-gelatin capsules. The active ingredient is dexfenfluramine hydrochloride. Each capsule contains 15 mg dexfenfluramine hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients include: lactose, gelatin capsule, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and edible ink.
Dexfenfluramine hydrochloride, a white to off-white crystalline powder, is designated chemically as (S)-N-ethyl-alpha-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl) benzeneethanamine hydrochloride and has a molecular weight of 267.7. Its empirical formula is C12H16F3N·HCl. Dexfenfluramine is freely soluble in water, alcohol, chloroform, and methanol The pKa of dexfenfluramine hydrochloride is 10.
Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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