Page 7 - IMO-2-2

Innovative Medicines & Omics

REVIEW ARTICLE
Obesity management: An update on the

available pharmacotherapy

Eleni Christaki, Chrystalla Protopapa , Angeliki Siamidi , and Marilena Vlachou*
Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian
University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Abstract
Obesity is a complex condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation, leading
to significant health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain
cancers. Its multifactorial etiology encompasses genetic predispositions, behavioral
factors, like poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, and hormonal imbalances
involving leptin and insulin resistance. In addition to lifestyle interventions, such as
balanced diets and regular physical activity, pharmacological therapies play a pivotal
role in managing obesity. Approved medications include orlistat, which inhibits
fat absorption by blocking gastrointestinal lipases; liraglutide and semaglutide,
which are glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists that regulate appetite
and glucose metabolism; phentermine/topiramate, which combines appetite
suppression and satiety enhancement; and naltrexone/bupropion, which modulates
the brain’s reward pathways to reduce food cravings. Advanced therapies, such
as setmelanotide, target genetic deficiencies affecting appetite regulation, while
tirzepatide, a dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide, and GLP-1 receptor agonist,
enhances satiety and metabolic control. Bariatric surgery remains a viable option for
*Corresponding author:
Marilena Vlachou severe cases. With the inception of individualized treatment plans and the ongoing
(vlachou@pharm.uoa.gr) research into genetic and metabolic factors, the development of targeted, effective
therapies, devoid of serious adverse effects, continues to evolve, offering hope for
Citation: Christaki E, Protopapa C,
Siamidi A, Vlachou M. Obesity improved obesity management.
management: An update on the
available pharmacotherapy. Innov
Med Omics. 2025;2(2):1-19. Keywords: Obesity; Childhood obesity; Epidemiology of obesity; Causes of obesity;
doi: 10.36922/imo.8316 Clinical imaging of obesity; Anti-obesity medications; Weight management
Received: December 31, 2024
1st revised: February 12, 2025
2nd revised: February 17, 2025
Accepted: February 19, 2025
Published online: March 4, 2025 1. Introduction
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). Obesity is a disease in which excess body fat is accumulated to an extent that it may have
This is an Open Access article an adverse effect on health. Known to be a chronic disease, it is a serious public health
distributed under the terms of the 1
Creative Commons Attribution concern and influences the mental as well as physical state of a person. In humans, it
License, permitting distribution, now seems to be normal practice that excess energy is applied as a fat deposit with further
and reproduction in any medium, feed savings for important difficulty periods. Usually, physiological mechanisms control
provided the original work is
properly cited. fat storage within a narrow range to maintain balance. Yet, in certain individuals, these
mechanisms are perturbed, resulting in excessive fat accumulation and an imbalance of
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with the body’s energy regulatory systems. 2
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional Body mass index (BMI) is a simple anthropometric measure that correlates height
affiliations. and weight (weight/height² [kg/m²]), commonly used to identify whether there is excess

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 1 doi: 10.36922/imo.8316