The FDA is deciding whether to approve a new diet drug for use in the U.S. European regulators have already approved Accomplia, which is made by Sanofi-Aventis SA.

In the U.S., the drug would be marketed under the name, Zimulti. It’s also known by its generic name, rimonabant.

Here’s the problem:

In clinical trials, two volunteers committed suicide while taking the drug. It seems to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety and mood swings. It may also trigger seizures in some people.

But the drug has been shown to reduce weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar. It may also help to control the urge to smoke.

On the highest dose of the drug, 20 milligrams, patients lost an average of 11 pounds in one year. A lower dose of 5 milligrams wasn’t effective.

The drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that control hunger. But this may be causing psychiatric and neurological disorders as well.

So is it worth the risk of suicide or seizures for an 11-pound weight loss over 1 year?

You could accomplish the same thing by cutting just 105 calories from your diet each day. No suicide. No seizures. Probably no hunger.

From a health standpoint, this seems to be a no-brainer. Just say “no” to Zimulti.

June 14th Update: The FDA Advisory Panel rejected this drug due to the uncertainty of its risks.