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Therapy for obesity--today and tomorrow
A J Scheen1, C Desaive, P J Lefèbvre
1Diabetes Nutrition and Metabolic Disorders Division, Centre Hospitalia Universitaire du Sart Tilman, Liege, Belgium.
Bailliere'S Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Obesity treatment options include medication, very-low-calorie diets, surgery, and mechanical aids, but prevention remains the most effective strategy. Each method has limitations, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and medical supervision.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a significant health risk with often unsatisfactory treatment outcomes.
- Current therapeutic strategies encompass conservative methods, pharmacotherapy, very-low-calorie diets, and surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate various treatment modalities for obesity.
- To discuss the efficacy, limitations, and appropriate application of different obesity interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on obesity pharmacotherapy, dietary interventions, surgical procedures, and mechanical aids.
- Analysis of the pharmacological profiles of anorectic drugs, particularly serotoninergic agents.
- Evaluation of the short-term and long-term effects of very-low-calorie diets and bariatric surgery.
Main Results:
- Pharmacotherapy, primarily using anorectic drugs like serotoninergic agents, aims to reduce energy intake or expenditure.
- Very-low-calorie diets offer short-term benefits but require careful balancing and medical supervision.
- Bariatric surgery, including gastric procedures and intestinal shunting, is effective for severe obesity when other methods fail.
- Mechanical means can assist in weight loss and maintenance for selected individuals.
Conclusions:
- While various obesity treatments exist, they all present significant limitations.
- Prevention of obesity is currently the most effective long-term strategy.
- Careful patient selection and medical supervision are crucial for the success of pharmacotherapy, dietary interventions, and surgery.