The Change Mariner

F.D.A. Moves to Let Drug Treat Obese Teenagers

The Food and Drug Administration effectively approved the use of an obesity drug, Xenical, for adolescents yesterday. This is the first time that a weight-loss drug has been permitted to treat overweight children. A spokeswoman for the drug agency said it had decided to allow the manufacturer to add to the Xenical labels two studies that involved children to help doctors prescribe the correct doses for 12- to 16-year-olds.

Terence Hurley, a spokesman for Hoffman-La Roche, the manufacturer, said it had no plans to market the drug for teenagers, but added that it was good news for children who battle obesity. "We're thrilled with the approval," Mr. Hurley said.

Xenical, one of three prescription weight-loss drugs on the market, works by blocking the body's ability to digest fat. Like the other two, Meridia and Phentermine, Xenical is described by most obesity experts as just moderately useful.

It has several unpleasant side effects, including problems with bowel control, and it works best when combined with a low-calorie diet that limits foods high in fat.

The F.D.A. acted as studies show that 15 percent of American children are overweight, and doctors and parents are struggling to deal with increasing childhood obesity.

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