J Clin Lipidol. 2026 Jan;20(1S):65-96. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2025.11.013.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a chronic disease, rooted in genetic predisposition and homoeostatic counter-regulatory adaptive and hormonal responses, with escalating prevalence rates and numerous associated health consequences.
SOURCES OF MATERIAL: Historically, interventions beyond lifestyle for the treatment of obesity have been underutilized, stigmatized, and held to different standards of validation compared to treatments for other chronic cardiovascular risk factors.
ABSTRACT OF FINDINGS: Contemporary management of obesity requires implementation of lifestyle modifications, employment of pharmacotherapy, and in more severe cases, surgical intervention. The purpose of this manuscript is to review obesity medication (OM) use in adults, with an emphasis on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and GLP-1 RA/glucose- dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual receptor agonists, focusing on patient selection, strategies for initiation and titration of these medications in clinical practice, emerging evidence of benefit and potential risk, as well as medication access and cost considerations.
CONCLUSION: GLP-1 RAs have emerged as a highly effective, safe, and well tolerated pharmacotherapy option for the management of obesity, possessing a myriad disease-modifying outcomes and capable of curtailing the rapid rise in obesity and related complications.
PMID:41708216 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacl.2025.11.013