Page 84 - ITPS-7-4

INNOSC Theranostics

and Pharmacological Sciences

MINI-REVIEW
Prescription digital therapeutics in obesity

management: Present and future

Hara Prasad Mishra 1 and Shubhima Grover *
2
1 Koita Centre for Digital Health, Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana, India
2 Department of Pharmacology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India

Abstract

Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are emerging as innovative solutions in
the management of obesity, complementing traditional methods such as lifestyle
interventions, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. This mini-review explores the current
landscape and future potential of PDTs in obesity management. We begin by
defining PDTs and examining key players and products in the market. These products
exemplify the integration of artificial intelligence -driven personalized coaching
and real-time data tracking to enhance user engagement and treatment efficacy.
Clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of PDTs in promoting weight loss
and improving metabolic health is discussed, with an emphasis on the comparative
studies with traditional interventions. The review also addresses challenges such as
regulatory hurdles, user adherence, data privacy, and accessibility issues. Looking
forward, advancements in technology, personalized medicine, and better integration
with healthcare systems are poised to further enhance the impact of PDTs. This article
*Corresponding author: underscores the potential of PDTs to revolutionize obesity management and calls for
Shubhima Grover
(shugrover@gmail.com) continued innovation and research in this field.
Citation: Mishra HP, Grover S.
Prescription digital therapeutics Keywords: Obesity; Digital therapeutics; Software; Prescription
in obesity management: Present
and future. INNOSC Theranostics
and Pharmacological Sciences.
2024;7(4):4042.
doi: 10.36922/itps.4042 1. Introduction
Received: June 25, 2024 Obesity is a persistent disease that is becoming more common and is now regarded as a
Accepted: September 23, 2024 worldwide epidemic, raising global public health concerns over the past five decades, owing
to its adverse impacts on quality of life, the risk for other diseases, and healthcare expenses.
1
Published Online: October 17, 2024
Epidemiological research has shown a connection between a high body mass index (BMI)
Copyright: © 2024 This and a wide array of chronic illnesses, including non-alcoholic fatty liver, cardiovascular
is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms disease, diabetes mellitus, various cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic kidney
of the Creative Commons disease, and mental health issues. These conditions negatively impact individuals’ quality of
AttributionNoncommercial License, life and drive up healthcare costs. The World Health Organization defines obesity as a state
permitting all non-commercial use,
distribution, and reproduction in any of excessive or abnormal fat accumulation that poses additional health risks. Overweight
medium, provided the original work is defined as a BMI above 25 kg/m² and obesity as a BMI over 30 kg/m². The obesity
is properly cited. epidemic that has spread across many regions in recent decades is largely attributed to a
Publisher’s Note: AccScience sedentary lifestyle and reduced overall physical activity, combined with the consumption of
Publishing remains neutral with unhealthy diets, such as those high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. This is compounded
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional by a variety of genetic, endocrine, metabolic, and environmental factors, which are now
affiliations. recognized as the primary common causes of this global health issue. 2

Volume 7 Issue 4 (2024) 1 doi: 10.36922/itps.4042