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Pharmacotherapy for the management of overweight and obesity
Patrice Forner1, Samantha Hocking2
1MBBS (Hons 1), BNutDiet, Endocrinologist, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW; Clinical Lecturer, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.
Background:
Lifestyle intervention is the mainstay of obesity management; however, behavioural modification alone produces only modest results and attempts to create a negative energy balance are offset by a biological response to maintain weight. Pharmacotherapy is indicated as an adjunct for those living with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) or those who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with a least one weight-related complication.
Objective:
This article provides an update on pharmacotherapy for the management of overweight and obesity.
Discussion:
Pharmacotherapy is a useful adjunct for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. When considering pharmacotherapy, thought must be given to efficacy, contraindications, potential side effects, cost and duration of treatment.
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