Background: Recently, many drugs have been approved for halting overweight and obesity-few types of research shifted to using Anti-obesity medications (AOM) solely for well-being and shape-keeping.
Objective: This narrative review's objective was to explore the use of AOM in relation to their medical indications, efficacy, and cardiovascular safety.
Methods and materials: We have conducted a narrative review of the literature on approved/non-approved AOM used for obesity and overweight. We have shed light on the emerging trials of therapies and evolving remedies.
Results: Recently, there has been an enormous change in the use of AOM with high consumption that deserves extensive surveillance for the long-term consequences and impact on social, mental, and physical health. Nearly six AOMs and combined therapy are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The recent guidelines for obesity management have shifted the focus from weight loss to goals that the patient considers essential and toward targeting the root cause of obesity.
Conclusion: The use of AOM increased enormously despite its sometimes-dubious safety and ineffectiveness. The public and medical professionals should be vigilant to the real-world benefits of anti-obesity drugs and their achieved effectiveness with an improved safety profile.
Keywords: Anti-obesity medications (AOM); Liraglutide (Saxenda); Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave); Obesity; Orlistat (Xenical); Overweight; Phentermine (Ponderax); Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia); Semaglutide (Wegovy); Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE); Tirzepatide (Mounjaro); Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
© 2023 The Authors.