Consider pharmacotherapy for appropriate patients with obesity1,2
Pharmacotherapy can play an important role in weight management by supplementing healthy eating and physical activity.1,2
The principles of pharmacology
Lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating and increased physical activity are foundational to obesity management. Sometimes, however, they are not enough to achieve long-term health benefits, and a prescription weight-management medication (PWMM) is needed.1-3
For appropriate patients, pharmacological treatments are part of a comprehensive approach to long-term weight management.2
3 guiding principles3
Principles to follow when considering pharmacotherapy for patients with obesity:
Reinforce patient efforts
Pharmacotherapy is meant to reinforce a patient’s lifestyle efforts, not replace them
Understand side effects
Both health care professionals and patients should be familiar with the medication and its potential side effects and contraindications
Every patient is different
If clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) is not achieved after 3-4 months, a new treatment plan should be considered
DIAGNOSING OBESITY
Obesity patient example profiles
Review example profiles of patients with obesity who may be similar to patients you see in your own practice.
Most patients living with obesity are not able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight with healthy eating and increased physical activity alone1
Some pharmacological treatments may benefit patients who:
- Have tried lifestyle changes but can’t reach a healthier weight
- Are regaining weight after losing it
- Have a BMI of ≥27 kg/m2 and a weight-related comorbidity
- Have a BMI that is ≥30 kg/m2
Current medications approved for long-term use should be offered to patients when potential benefits outweigh the risks.1
Adding pharmacotherapy to a lifestyle plan may improve weight-loss results4*
*Data from a retrospective study evaluating the impact of PWMM over 72 weeks in 129 adults with obesity (>30 kg/m²) participating in a comprehensive precision weight-loss program.4
BMI, body mass index.
INITIATING A PLAN
Achieve continued weight management success
DIAGNOSING OBESITY
Start the conversation on weight management
References:
1. Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22(suppl 3):1-203.
2. Pilitsi E, Farr OM, Polyzos SA, et al. Pharmacotherapy of obesity: available medications and drugs under investigation. Metabolism. 2019;92:170-192.
3. Bray GA, Frühbeck G, Ryan DH, Wilding JP. Management of obesity. Lancet. 2016;387(10031):1947-1956.
4. Safavi R, Lih A, Kirkpatrick S, Haller S, Bailony MR. Impact of anti-obesity medication initiation and duration on weight loss in a comprehensive weight loss programme. Obes Sci Pract. 2019;5(5):468-478.
