[Pharmacological, toxicological, deontologic, and medico-legal aspects of the use of appetite suppressant agents in "weight-loss cures"].

The pharmacological, deontologic and medico-legal aspects in the use of appetite suppressant drugs have been evaluated. Appetite suppressant drugs used in the treatment of obesity are divided into 2 broad pharmacological categories: those acting via brain catecholamine pathways and those acting via serotonin pathways. Of the former group, amphetamines and phenimetrazines are no longer used because of their stimulant properties and addictive potential. The remaining drugs of this group have some sympathomimetic and stimulant properties. Anorectic drugs which promote serotonin neurotransmission have no such stimulant or sympathomimetic properties. They reduce appetite and food intake and are effective in the treatment of obesity. If they are not used appropriately, appetite suppressants can be of no therapeutic benefit and cause marked health risks. As regards to anorectic drugs, the 13/4/1995 act "Rules and limits in preparing drugs containing anorectic substances", precisely defines rules about selling and use of those substances. Behavior of health care personnel neglecting observance of the rule, could be interpreted as "imprudence", "negligence" and "inexpertness" in designing and managing a fat-reducing diet, that may imply, in case of damage to the patient, a professional fault.