Obesity Treatment Drugs

Obesity Treatment Drugs
The Rising Stars of Obesity Treatment Drugs: GLP-1 Agonists
Obesity has become a major health concern globally, and the search for effective treatment drugs is ongoing. Among them, GLP-1 agonists have emerged as rising stars. Drugs like semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide belong to this category. They work by slowing gastric emptying and affecting appetite neurologically. In recent years, they have shown remarkable efficacy in weight loss, attracting extensive attention from both the medical community and patients.
Obesity Treatment Drugs
Orlistat: The Fat Absorption Inhibitor
Orlistat is a commonly used drug in the treatment of obesity. It works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. By doing so, it prevents the absorption of dietary fat, causing the unabsorbed fat to be excreted from the body. This mechanism makes orlistat a unique option in the obesity treatment drug market, with both prescription and over-the-counter versions available.
Obesity Treatment Drugs
Phentermine: The Classic Anorectic
Phentermine is a classic anorectic drug that has been used in the treatment of obesity for a long time. It belongs to the class of CNS stimulants. By acting on the central nervous system, it can reduce appetite and make patients feel full, thereby reducing food intake. Although it has been used for many years, its efficacy and safety have always been the focus of attention.
Obesity Treatment Drugs
Contrave: The Combination Therapy
Contrave is a combination drug composed of bupropion and naltrexone. It takes advantage of the different mechanisms of the two drugs to achieve the effect of weight loss. Bupropion is an antidepressant that can act on neurotransmitters to reduce appetite, while naltrexone can block the opioid receptors in the brain and reduce the reward response to food, thereby helping patients control their food intake.
Obesity Treatment Drugs
FDA's New Guidelines for Obesity Treatment Drugs
In January 2025, the FDA drafted a guideline titled "Obesity and Overweight: Developing Drugs and Biological Products for Weight Reduction". This 21-page document covers four core topics, including clinical background, evaluation of weight-loss drugs for adult and pediatric patients, and statistical considerations, providing detailed recommendations for the design of early research to phase III clinical
Obesity Treatment Drugs
Emerging Trends in Obesity Treatment Drug Research
With the increasing emphasis on obesity treatment, the research and development of obesity treatment drugs are also advancing. In addition to the existing drugs, there are many emerging trends in the field. For example, some new drugs are targeting different receptors and pathways, and some are focusing on improving the efficacy and reducing side effects, bringing new hope to obese patients.