Researchers work to uncover new information on long-term use of obesity medications

A new chapter in obesity care has emerged. In addition to recently approved medications used for weight management — the GLP-1 receptor agonists — several additional pharmacotherapies are in the works. These treatments are said to offer more effective solutions for long-term obesity management. Yet details on the impact of long-term use are still being uncovered.

“Several randomized, controlled trials show that all FDA-approved anti-obesity medications are safe and effective for long-term use when prescribed responsibly to the appropriate patient population, based on individualized health risk assessment,” said Malti Vij, MD, adjunct assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for a MedCentral article. “For an effective weight loss intervention, physicians must prescribe anti-obesity medications alongside counseling, lifestyle changes, regular monitoring and follow-ups, as with other chronic conditions." 

Before prescribing GLP-1 medications for weight loss, physicians are advised to educate their patients on long-term use.

 “For better adherence, choose the right anti-obesity medication for the right patient. This involves carrying out a comprehensive patient assessment in terms of their weight loss expectations, followed by careful consideration of the medication side effects, long-term safety and cost-effectiveness,” Vij explained.

Click here to read the entire MedCentral article on obesity medications.

Featured image at top: Dosing pen for subcutaneous injection of anti-obesity medication. Photo/istock/aprott.