In a move that will expand dieters' access to a drug that has shown modest benefits and potentially embarrassing side effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the OK yesterday for over-the-counter sales of orlistat, the first federally approved diet pill available without a prescription.

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The dieting dilemma

Upon entering the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, one is overcome by the sound of speedily whizzing treadmills, the unending drumming of basketballs dribbling down the court and hordes of sweaty exercise enthusiasts attempting to get their bodies into better shape. But over the energetic activity looms the intoxicating yet curiously out-of-place aroma of cheese fries — a high-calorie staple on the Summit Street Caf menu.

"I know I should watch what I eat, but I don't," said Neal Campbell, junior classical guitar major, as he slumps over the Summit Street Caf Bar shoving a Snickers bar into his mouth. "I have a high metabolism."

Others, however, are not so lucky. For many, following a regular nutritional diet is a part of every day life.

"It's tough to eat healthy on campus," said Eylse Allega, a sophomore music education major.