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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Pharmacotherapy for obesity management.

M Noeth¹, F H Van Zyl², J Hellig³

¹Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, Pretoria; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde

|December 11, 2025

Summary

Obesity pharmacotherapy, combined with lifestyle changes, aids weight management and prevents complications like type 2 diabetes. Approved medications are recommended for individuals with a BMI of 27-30+ kg/m2, with or without comorbidities.

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Metabolic Diseases
Pharmacology

Background:

Obesity is a complex chronic disease requiring multifaceted management strategies.
Pharmacotherapy plays a crucial role in conjunction with lifestyle interventions for effective obesity management.
Specific patient populations may benefit from targeted pharmacotherapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of pharmacotherapy in obesity management.
To outline the role of pharmacotherapy in weight loss maintenance and prevention of weight regain.
To guide the selection of pharmacotherapy for individuals with obesity and related comorbidities.

Main Methods:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials evaluating obesity pharmacotherapies.
Grading of evidence and strength of recommendations based on established guidelines.
Synthesis of data on efficacy, safety, and specific patient populations.

Main Results:

Pharmacotherapy is recommended for individuals with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with complications, alongside lifestyle changes.
Specific medications like semaglutide, liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, and orlistat are supported by varying levels of evidence.
Pharmacotherapy is effective in maintaining weight loss, preventing weight regain, delaying type 2 diabetes, and improving comorbidities such as obstructive sleep apnea and MASH.
Metformin and psychological treatments are recommended for preventing weight gain in patients on antipsychotics.

Conclusions:

Pharmacotherapy is a valuable tool in comprehensive obesity management when integrated with lifestyle modifications.
Medication selection should be individualized based on patient characteristics, comorbidities, and evidence-based recommendations.
Further research is warranted to explore novel pharmacotherapeutic agents and optimize treatment strategies for diverse patient populations.