Successful treatment of obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach including dietary strategy, physical activity, and behavioral modification. The seven FDA-approved anti-obesity medications are phentermine, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate ER, naltrexone SR/bupropion SR, liraglutide 3.0 mg, semaglutide 2.4 mg, and tirzepatide. Obesity is a chronic disease and these medications should be prescribed with the intention of long-term use. In this article, we summarize data from phase 3 clinical trials which led to drug approval, and we review the clinical indications, mechanism of action, dosing/administration, side effects, drug interactions and contraindications for each medication.
Authors
Schmitz, Sarah H; Saunders, Katherine H; Aronne, Louis J