ABSTRACT
Introduction: Obesity is a complex disease that has a significant global impact. In the United States, it has been projected that by 2030 nearly 50% of American adults will have obesity. Lifestyle interventions, which include diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications remain the cornerstone of weight management. For many, advanced treatments like anti-obesity pharmacotherapy should be considered. There are currently six anti-obesity medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity, but many more are in development.
Areas covered: This chapter reviews anti-obesity pharmacotherapy in development for which there is publicly available data.
Expert opinion: The successful treatment of obesity requires a multidisciplinary team and regular patient follow-up. Many patients can benefit from advanced treatments, like anti-obesity pharmacotherapy. There are a number of promising medications in the pipeline, though it is unknown how many of these agents will ultimately be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity.
