New Year's Resolutions

Resolution is defined as: “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” When thinking about the new year ahead, many of us resolve to improve ourselves through strings of absolutes.

“I am going to eat healthier.” “I am going to go to the gym regularly.” “I am going to spend more time with my family.” All of these statements are commonly heard around the turn of each new year. A poll conducted by Forbes Health on New Year’s resolutions for 2024 noted that improving fitness (48% of respondents) and losing weight (34% of respondents) were among the top five goals among respondents.

More than one in three adults in the U.S. struggle with obesity, making weight management more than a “one-size-fits-all” solution much like our New Year’s resolutions. Yet, as the ball drops and the new year progresses, we often find ourselves losing momentum before the spring can even begin. In fact, research from Pew suggests that only 9% of Americans who make new year’s resolutions stick to them.

In today’s culture, there is a growing perception that weight loss can – and should – happen as quickly as possible. But what happens if the scale remains the same, or goes up? It is natural to feel discouragement, sadness, or even shame. According to the NIH, 20-60% of people living with obesity also experience mental health burdens such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and more.

At VIVUS, we believe in weight management, not just weight loss, and we recognize the need to set realistic expectations when discussing a weight-loss plan. Many options are available for people who need assistance in managing hunger and reducing cravings throughout the day. For example, QSYMIA? (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules CIV) is the leading non-injectable branded weight loss medication in the U.S. for adults. When taken in combination with a healthy diet and exercise, QSYMIA has been proven to help patients lose and maintain weight loss. With QSYMIA, patients are able to incorporate weight management into their lifestyle, not build their lifestyle around weight management.

As I write my New Year’s resolutions and reflect on 2024, I am proud of the milestones my team has achieved this year as we continue to innovate for people with serious medical conditions and life-limiting diseases. From creating partnerships with companies like UpScriptHealth and GoodRx, to updating QSYMIA’S label, to launching a new patient telehealth platform - ChooseQ.online - we are working diligently to ensure that weight management is safe, affordable, and efficacious.

If managing your weight is at the top of your New Year’s resolution list, talk with your doctor about the right treatment option to create a long-term lifestyle change.

About VIVUS

VIVUS is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that focus on advancing treatments for patients with serious unmet medical needs. For more information about the Company, please visit https://www.vivus.com.

About QSYMIA

QSYMIA is indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity, and in adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

The effect of QSYMIA on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been established. The safety and effectiveness of QSYMIA in combination with other products intended for weight loss, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal preparations, have not been established.

For more information on QSYMIA, please visit https://QSYMIA.com/

Important Safety Information for QSYMIA

Do not take QSYMIA if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during QSYMIA treatment; have glaucoma; have thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism); are taking certain medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken MAOIs in the past 14 days; are allergic to topiramate, sympathomimetic amines such as phentermine, or any of the ingredients in QSYMIA.

QSYMIA can cause serious side effects, including birth defects (cleft lip/cleft palate), serious eye problems (secondary angle closure glaucoma), visual field defects (independent of elevated intraocular pressure), suicidal thoughts or actions, and severe rash with blisters and peeling skin. QSYMIA may slow the increase in height in children 12 years and older.

Common side effects of QSYMIA in adults include numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or face (paraesthesia), dizziness, changes in the way foods taste or loss of taste (dysgeusia), trouble sleeping (insomnia), constipation, and dry mouth. Common side effects of QSYMIA in children aged 12 years and older include depression, dizziness, joint pain, fever, flu, and ankle sprain.

For more information please read the QSYMIA Medication Guide, Full Prescribing Information, and Risk of Birth Defects with QSYMIA patient brochure.