Anti-Obesity Drugs:

Anti-obesity drugs are medications designed to help individuals reduce or manage their weight. These drugs are typically used in combination with lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and increased physical activity, to achieve significant weight loss. They work through different mechanisms to either reduce appetite, block fat absorption, or alter metabolism. Anti-obesity drugs are generally prescribed for people who have obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.

How Anti-Obesity Drugs Work
Anti-obesity medications typically work through one or more of the following mechanisms:
Appetite Reduction: Many of these drugs focus on reducing hunger and controlling cravings, which can lead to a decrease in overall calorie consumption.
Increased Satiety: Some drugs enhance feelings of fullness or delay gastric emptying, helping individuals feel satisfied with smaller meals.
Fat Absorption Reduction: By inhibiting the digestive enzymes that break down fats, fat absorption inhibitors reduce the number of calories absorbed from fat.
Increased Energy Expenditure: Some drugs can boost metabolic rate, leading to more calories being burned throughout the day.

Indications for Use
Anti-obesity drugs are typically prescribed for individuals who:
Have a BMI of 30 or greater (obesity), or
Have a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one obesity-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or sleep apnea.
They are often prescribed after lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) have not produced sufficient weight loss or in individuals who are unable to achieve weight loss through lifestyle changes alone.

Track:
Mechanisms of Action
Effectiveness in Weight Loss
Side Effects and Risks
Indications for Use