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A new weight loss pill is on the market - the first new prescription drug in the U.S. in about 13 years.

On Wednesday, The Food and Drug Administration approved Arena Pharmaceutical's anti-obesity pill Belviq, ignoring push back from doctors for new weight-loss treatments.

 The pill will be available for adults who are obese or overweight with at least one medical complication, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. A combination of a healthy diet and exercise should be used with the pill.

Obesity Society President Patrick O'Neil said the approval sends a message to the country.

"This is good news because it tells us that the FDA is indeed treating obesity seriously," said O'Neil. "On the other hand, it's not the answer to the problem - or even a big part of the answer."

The pill is a twice-a-day pill that suppresses appetite and appears to affect metabolism by influencing levels of the brain chemical serotonin.

With U.S. obesity rates nearing 35 percent of the adult population, many doctors have called on the FDA to approve new weight loss treatments.

In a statement, Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's drug center, said obesity threatens the overall well-being of patients and is a major public health concern.

"The approval of this drug, used responsibly in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, provides a treatment option for Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition," she said.

According to researchers, about half of patients taking Belviq lost about 5 percent of their body weight after 12 months. The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation.

This is the second time researchers brought the drug before the agency. In 2010, experts shot down because of safety concerns. Early research indicated the drug might cause tumors in rats and possibly heart problems in people.

It is being reported that the drug is expected to be available in pharmacies in four to six months.