title: Pharmacotherapy for Obesity.
abstract: Successful treatment of obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach including diet, exercise and behavioral modification. As lifestyle changes are not sufficient for some patients, pharmacologic therapies should be considered as adjuncts to lifestyle interventions. In this article, we review clinical indications, mechanisms of action, dosing/administration, side effects, drug interactions and contraindications for the six most widely prescribed obesity medications. We also summarize the efficacy data from phase 3 trials which led to drug approval. As multiple agents are sometimes required for clinically significant weight loss, the future of obesity medicine will likely involve combinations of agents in addition to behavioral counseling.
authors: Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA. Electronic address: kph2001@med.cornell.edu.
authors: Katherine H
authors: KH
authors: Saunders
authors: Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors: Alpana P
authors: AP
authors: Shukla
authors: Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors: Leon I
authors: LI
authors: Igel
authors: Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors: Rekha B
authors: RB
authors: Kumar
authors: Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors: Louis J
authors: LJ
authors: Aronne
mesh_terms: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents
keywords: Liraglutide; Lorcaserin; Naltrexone SR/bupropion SR; Obesity; Orlistat; Pharmacotherapy; Phentermine/topiramate ER; Weight management