Rimonabant is an anorectic anti-obesity drug produced and marketed by Sanofi-Aventis. It is an inverse agonist for the cannabinoi d receptor CB1. Its main avenue of effect is reduction in appetite. Rimonabant is the first selective CB1 receptor blocker to be approved for use anywhere in the world. Rimonabant is approved in 38 countries including the E.U., Mexico, and Brazil. It was rejected for approval for use in the United States. This decision was made after a U.S. advisory panel recommended the medicine not be approved because it may increase suicidal thinking and depression.

Rimonabant works by blocking endogenous cannabinoi d from binding to neuronal CB1 receptors. The activation of these receptors by endogenous cannabinoi ds, such as anadamide, increases an individuals appetite. By blocking the activation of the receptors, appetite suppression may occur.

Rimonabant is a weight loss drug, can significantly reduce weight, reduce waist circumference and reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but also can improve blood lipids and insul resistance and metabolic syndrome, especially for the presence of clinical obesity or heart disease people at risk.

Rimonabant as a new weight loss drug, can also be used to quit smoking. Not only lose weight, but also lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, clinical study found that subjects taking one to two months later, the weight can be reduced on average six to eight kilograms.