[Drug therapy of obesity. Strategies for general practice]

The pathogenesis of obesity is complex and miscellaneous endogenous as well exogenous factors modulate body weight. The therapeutic strategies are equally complex and may include the option of antiobesity drugs. Despite the availability of drugs they are only seen as adjuvant therapeutic options and the corner stone of obesity therapy remain permanent life style changes. Presently only orlistat and sibutramin are approved for the pharmacological therapy of obesity in Switzerland. The indications and contraindications of these new antiobesity drugs are discussed. In addition a new concept of a stepped care approach in weight management is presented.