A diet pill that was launched here in the UK last summer has been rejected by the US over fears of an increased risk of suicide.
Rimonabant helps to aid weight loss by reducing an individuals appetite. However a committee which advises the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted to ban the diet pill claiming that it's manufacturers have not proved that it's safe to use.
The drug is currently used by obese patients who run the risk of developing diabetes or a cardiovascular disease due to their weight. 37,000 people in Britain have been prescribed this drug.
The committee advising the FDA reviewed studies of rimonabant from a range of countries and reported back to the FDA thatthe drug was linked with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, even amongst those who had no previous history of depression.
Some studies reviewed also highlighted some signifucant increases in anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks in patients who were given a dose of 20mg.
The comittee warned the FDA that: "The evidence for increased suicidal tendencies and depression is of particular concern for a drug targeted towards the obese, a population that has been shown to have a significantly higher incidence of depression and eating disorders compared to non-obese individuals."
The FDA is due to consider the panel's decision in July and European regulators will review the drugs safety.