Recent Advances in Dietary and Drug Treatment of Obesity: Review Paper
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.19.2.13Keywords:
overweigh, obesity, orlistat, liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, phentermine, topiramate, bupropion, naltrexoneAbstract
Obesity has become a major health problem and a worldwide concern, and its treatment is evolving. Several health risks are associated with obesity, such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stroke, metabolic syndrome, asthma, and cancer. Unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are major causes of obesity, but genetic or hormonal factors may also contribute. In order to reduce weight gain caused by excessive calorie intake and low physical activity, a number of pharmacological agents have been developed. These agents exert their action by different mechanisms, including inhibition of dietary fat absorption or stimulation of the secretion of satiety hormones. Particular agents such as sibutramine and rimonabant have been evaluated extensively and recommended for obesity treatment in several countries; however, they were ultimately withdrawn worldwide due to disappointing side effects. In contrast, various new drugs showed promising results and were approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity. This review discusses the old and currently used anti-obesity drugs: liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, orlistat, as well as the phentermine/topiramate and bupropion/naltrexone combinations. Efficacy, indications, side effects, and contraindications of different classes of anti-obesity drugs will be reviewed comprehensively in this article.
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