J Korean Med Assoc.  2004 Apr;47(4):361-368. 10.5124/jkma.2004.47.4.361.

Treatment of Obesity with Drugs

• Kim SM

• KMID: 2183464
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2004.47.4.361

Abstract

Oesity is a major global health problem. However, current therapeutic strategies for obesity are limited. Obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, and the treatment of obesity is based on the correction of this metabolic imbalance. Anti-obesity drugs can shift this balance in a favorable way by reducing food intake, altering metabolism, and by increasing energy expenditure. There is a growing consensus that pharmacotherapy is appropriate for many individuals who are unable to lose weight through less intensive measures. However, side effects may ensue phamacotherapy for obesity. Only two drugs (sibutramine and orlistat) are currently approved for the long-term treatment of obesity. Sibutramine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Orlistat works by blocking the pancreatic lipase. However, phamarcotherapy may not be the ultimate resolution for obesity management. Because the underlying pathophysiology in each individual varies in many aspects, it is recommended to provide individualized and tailored medication in addition to other antiobesity supportive treatments.

Keyword

Obesity; Energy intake; Expenditure; Phamarcotherapy; Anti-Obesity drugs; Individualized medication

MeSH Terms

Anti-Obesity Agents
Consensus
Drug Therapy
Eating
Energy Intake
Energy Metabolism
Health Expenditures
Lipase
Metabolism
Norepinephrine
Obesity*
Serotonin
Anti-Obesity Agents
Lipase
Norepinephrine
Serotonin

Figure

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  Figure 1

Reference

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