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Obesity Pharmacotherapy: a Review of Current Practices and Future Directions

  • Nutrition and Obesity (C Newberry, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim of this article is to review the current pharmacologic treatment options available for the treatment of obesity. The efficacy of each medication and its effect on cardiometabolic profile is highlighted. The use of off-label medications is discussed, along with medications currently under development.

Recent Findings

Achieving and maintaining long-term clinically significant weight loss is likely to require the use of two or more anti-obesity medications. While the current evidence for combination therapies is limited, polypharmacotherapy is an area of active research, and emerging therapies are anticipated to be multi-target agents. Promising medications in the pipeline include dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, combination GLP-1 receptor agonists and amylin analogues, dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonists, and tripeptides.

Summary

This review aims to summarize the current pharmacologic treatment options available for the treatment of obesity. Medication regimens should be individualized to the patient to optimize benefits versus risks. Consider combinations of anti-obesity medications with different mechanisms to overcome the biological compensatory mechanisms that drive weight regain. Off-label prescribing may be necessary to overcome barriers to care and should be informed by current evidence.

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References and Recommended Reading

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  1. Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Sarah Schmitz MD, Beverly G. Tchang MD & Alpana P. Shukla MD MRCP (UK)

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Sarah Schmitz does not have existing conflicts of interest.

Beverly G. Tchang receives consulting fees from Novo Nordisk and Gelesis.

Alpana P. Shukla receives research funding from Novo Nordisk.

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Schmitz, S., Tchang, B.G. & Shukla, A.P. Obesity Pharmacotherapy: a Review of Current Practices and Future Directions. Curr Treat Options Gastro 21, 27–47 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-023-00409-1

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