Pharmacological therapies for obesity
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Pharmacological therapy for obesity is in transition.
Historically,there have been few effective agents, and many have been with-drawn because of unacceptable side effects. Current options include three medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity: phentermine, sibutramine and orlistat.
Phentermine and sibutramine suppress appetite and promote thermogenesis,and orlistat (Brand name: Xenical) blocks fat digestion and absorption in the gut.
Several drugs approved for other indications often promote orlistat, including Bupropion, metformin, topiramate and zonisamide; they have been used empirically for treatment of obesity and to counter the weight-promoting effects of other medications.
Expanding knowledge of the physiological mechanisms of body weight regulation has revealed new molecular targets, and more than 150 novel agents are under active development. Because weight regulation is complex, and redundant systems protect against perceived starvation, optimal treatment of obesity will likely require combinations of therapies. The accelerating emergence of new medications will facilitate the development of such effective combinations.
Phentermine
Phentermine ® is the #1 weight loss diet pill in the U.S. Phentermine helps suppress your appetite so that you can lose weight.
More information about Phentermine »»
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Meridia
MERIDIA® (sibutramine) is an effective diet pill for weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss. Meridia, along with a reduced-calorie diet, can produce significant reductions in body weight.
More information about sibutramine (Meridia)
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Xenical
XENICAL ® is a weight loss medication that targets the absorption of fat in your body rather than suppressing your appetite. Xenical can be used for long periods of time. It has been shown to be effective for 1-2 years.
Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center, Department of Medicine and Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Revision date: July 3, 2011
Last revised: by Sebastian Scheller, MD, ScD
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