Past, Present, and Future of Pharmacologic Therapy in Obesity

Medications for obesity management can be divided into 4 groups: antidepressants (naltrexone/bupropion), stimulants (phentermine, phendimetrazine, diethylpropion, phentermine/topiramate), fat blockers (orlistat), and diabetes medications (liraglutide). Each group has specific therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and costs. Two medications are indicated for long-term use in obesity: lorcaserin and orlistat. Other available medications are for short-term use. High cost makes many of these medications inaccessible for underserved and poor patients. Because of misuse potential, many obesity medications are also classified as controlled substances. There are no medications currently approved for use in pregnant or lactating women.