Pharmacotherapy for obesity management

Dec 11, 2025South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde

Medicine treatments for managing obesity

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Abstract

Pharmacotherapy for obesity management can be recommended for individuals with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with related complications.

  • Several medications, including semaglutide and liraglutide, are associated with effective weight management when combined with lifestyle changes.
  • Pharmacotherapy may help maintain weight loss and prevent weight regain in individuals using liraglutide or orlistat.
  • For people with prediabetes and a BMI ≥27 kg/m2, pharmacotherapy could delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
  • In individuals with type 2 diabetes and a BMI ≥27 kg/m2, obesity pharmacotherapy is linked to weight loss and better blood sugar control.
  • Liraglutide is associated with weight loss and improvement in sleep apnea symptoms for those with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2.
  • Medications like metformin may be beneficial in preventing weight gain in individuals with severe mental illness on antipsychotic medications.

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Full Text

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