FDA Declines Diet Drug Contrave: Why?

(CBS/AP) Overweight Americans might have to rely on self control a little longer.

The FDA has declined to approve the experimental diet drug Contrave, saying it wanted the drug's maker to conduct additional research to address potential heart safety issues.

The agency's request suggests that the appetite-suppressing drug - a combination of naltrexone, a drug used to treat addiction, and bupropion, an antidepressant commonly known by the brand name Wellbutrin - might come eventually.

But not yet.

In the meantime, Orexigen Therapeutics said it was disappointed by the FDA's decision but would work with the agency to determine its next step.

About one third of Americas are obese.