The drug Orlistat, brand name Alli, works by blocking the absorption of one-quarter of any fat consumed and is an OTC version of Xenical, a prescription weight loss pill.

In a study into the use of Alli, mildly to moderately overweight individuals took either Alli or a placebo for a three month period and it was found that the drug enabled those on it to lose an additional two to three pounds for every five pounds lost through diet and exercise.

Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) does admit that Alli has some unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, including gas, diarrhoea, leakages and oily discharges.

GSK is being careful about it's marketing approach and is emphasizing that people taking Alli also need to diet and exercise.

Experts say though the drug is expensive, many people believe the benefits outweigh the cost of the drug.

Many others though are discouraged when they don't lose as much weight as they hoped and go off the drug.

Dr. Gregg, the lead author of the study, says the death rates for men were initially much higher than for the women, but by 2000 were virtually the same.

Diabetes causes the body to stop producing or properly using insulin, a hormone necessary to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy and it is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations.

It has become increasingly common worldwide as more and more people become obese; according to the American Diabetes Association 20.8 million U.S. children and adults now have diabetes - that equates to 7 percent of the population.

The most common form Type 2 diabetes usually appears after age 40 in overweight, sedentary people, but a growing number of younger people and sometimes children are developing it.

The American College of Physicians suggests women ensure they have their blood sugar, cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked regularly by a doctor in order to maintain tight control of the key markers of diabetes and heart health.

Smokers are urged to quit and a healthy diet with fewer carbohydrates, sweets and starches that affect blood sugar levels is recommended, along with regular physical exercise.

The study is published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.