2
Anti-obesity Medications
Key Points
➤ The US adult obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017–March 2020.
➤ According to a projection analysis in 2019, ~50% of US adults will
have obesity by 2030, with ~25% of adults having severe obesity
[body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m
2
].
➤ With the exception of anti-obesity agents that are a combination
of drugs in a single tablet or capsule, limited data exists for
combination anti-obesity drug therapy.
➤ Targets of current anti-obesity drug development are mainly
focused on intervention pathways related to the central nervous
system, gastrointestinal systems and adipose tissue.
Objectives of Anti-obesity Medications
Improve the health of patients
➤ Improve hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid levels.
➤ Reduce cardiovascular events.
➤ Improve other adverse metabolic, biomechanical, and
psychosocial health consequences, with improved quality of life.
➤ Reduce mortality.
Improve the weight of patients
➤ Weight loss to a clinically meaningful degree that patients and
clinicians will embrace initiation of anti-obesity therapy.
➤ Weight loss maintenance to a degree that patients and clinicians
will persist in adhering to long-term anti-obesity therapy.
Top 5 Takeaway Messages: Anti-obesity Drug Development
1. Targets of current anti-obesity drug development are mainly
focused on intervention pathways related to the central nervous
system, gastrointestinal systems, and adipose tissue.
2. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are being
combined with other agents as twincretins (e.g., tirzepatide) and
tri-agonists.
3. Oxyntomodulin acting agents have dual GLP-1 RA and glucagon
RA activity.
4. With the exception of anti-obesity agents that are a combination
of drugs in a single formulation, limited data exists for
combination anti-obesity drug therapy.
5. The development of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy is following
the path of drug development of other metabolic diseases.
