Medications and Obesity

The National Academies Roundtable on Obesity Solutions hosted a public workshop in March 2024 to explore the current understanding of pharmacotherapy for overweight or obesity, the effects of medications intended for obesity and obesity-related comorbidities, and how complementary treatment options (such as nutrition and behavioral interventions) advance obesity care in conjunction with medication use. Speakers took care to highlight lived experiences, existing weight bias and stigma, and implications of pharmacotherapy on health policy, economics, access, clinical practice, and public health.

Table of Contents

Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 Current State of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacology for Obesity 3 Lived Experiences of Physicians and Patients 4 Mental and Behavioral Health Considerations During Obesity Treatment 5 Integrating Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Medications into Obesity Treatment 6 Exploring Opportunities and Barriers for Clinical Practice Guidelines 7 Navigating Economic and Policy Challenges of New Obesity Treatments References Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Workshop Speakers and Planning Committee Members