If approved, Qnexa would be the first new diet drug in 13 years. In trials, it helped patients lose about 10 percent of their body weight. The FDA has had concerns about potential side effects of the drug. Others cite the significant health risks of obesity and health benefits of losing weight. "Obviously, no drug is without side effects or risks. . . . Sometimes the consequences of obesity aren't taken seriously enough," said Gary Foster, director of Temple's Center for Obesity Research and Education.