Recent Development on Anti-Obesity Compounds and their Mechanisms of Action: A Review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Obesity is a major health threat linked to diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, increasing morbidity and mortality.
• Current anti-obesity drugs have limitations due to side effects, driving the search for safer alternatives.
• Numerous small molecules and natural products with anti-obesity potential have been identified, with partially revealed mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive and updated review of compounds with anti-obesity effects.
• To classify these compounds based on their molecular mechanisms of action.
• To highlight progress in identifying and understanding novel anti-obesity agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications.
• Identification and categorization of small molecules and natural products with anti-obesity properties.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating key anti-obesity pathways.

Main Results:

• A growing number of compounds, including novel small molecules and natural products, demonstrate anti-obesity effects.
• The molecular mechanisms of action for many compounds have been partially elucidated.
• Compounds target various major anti-obesity pathways.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in identifying and understanding compounds for obesity management.
• Further research into these compounds and their mechanisms can lead to safer and more effective anti-obesity therapies.
• This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the field of obesity pharmacotherapy.