Near the end of the last May, University of Kansas student Nicole wanted to cut 30 pounds from her 5-foot-9, 173-pound frame. Her lifestyle at that time was not suitable to losing the weight. Diet pills presented a reasonable alternative.

Nicole, who requested her last name not be used, said she worked out three to four times a week for the first month while taking a diet pill called Release. She soon stopped working out, yet continued taking the pill. Her weight fluctuated up and down, but Nicole saw no real progress.

Nicole is part of a growing number of overweight Americans. This population is one drug companies are trying to market to with diet drugs, as well as trying to get the FDA to approve the drugs. But health experts say the drugs don't replace healthy eating and exercise, and could lead to abuse.

Read more at http://www.dailycolonial.com/go.dc?p=3&s=2092.