Scientists at Tel Aviv University have been working on a compound that really could be a “wonder weight loss drug.” The drug is known as Histalean and is based on Betahistine, a drug that we have been prescribing for around 30 years to treat vertigo and meniere’s syndrome. Betahistine is believed to block the H1 and H3 receptors in the brain. These receptors are connected to a sense of fullness and a desire to eat fatty foods.
The results of a twelve week trial have demonstrated that those on the Histalean slimming pill lost 7 times more weight than those on the placebo. What is more, no significant side effects were picked up and we know from experience that Betahistine has a very good safety profile. Currently all of the centrally acting weight loss drugs can have very serious side effects which make them unsuitable for a number of people.
It would appear that Histalean works better for women rather than for men and it also seemed to work better for those who are 50 or under.
This drug is not available to prescribe for weight loss at the moment but as soon as we have some news on this, we will publish it here. The recent trial was only Phase II so it has a way to go before the authorities will give it a license for this purpose.