An obesity drug has been approved for NHS use in England and Wales, despite links to an increased risk of depression and suicide.
Rimonabant is already used by thousands of Britons, and, coupled with exercise, could help patients lose up to 10% of their body weight.
Scotland and the US have not approved the drug amid safety concerns.
However, an obesity specialist welcomed the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) ruling.
Doctors have been told not to give it to patients with a history of major depression, and to be alert for new symptoms of depression in patients taking the drug.
Patients will not be allowed to have the drug, whose brand name is Acomplia on the NHS unless they have tried and failed using alternative drugs such as orlistat.
Evidence suggested one in 10 people might develop mental side-effects including low mood and depression, anxiety, irritability, nervousness and sleep disorders.
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