PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO OBESITY: NEW DRUG CLASSES AND MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Abstract

Obesity remains a global health challenge, linked to numerous comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. While traditional management strategies, including lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery, have shown some success, they are often limited by factors such as patient adherence and availability. In recent years, pharmacotherapy has emerged as a promising adjunct for effective obesity management, with advances in drug development introducing novel mechanisms targeting both central and peripheral pathways involved in appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and metabolic function. This review explores emerging drug classes and mechanisms, including gastrointestinal peptide hormone analogues (GLP-1, GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists), melanocortin receptor agonists, and triple-agonist drugs, alongside newer therapeutic targets like the endocannabinoid system and brown fat thermogenesis. Additionally, it examines clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and potential limitations associated with these therapies. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these pharmacotherapeutic approaches, this review aims to enhance understanding of obesity management and identify areas for future research, including combination therapies and personalized medicine approaches. As obesity rates continue to rise, these novel pharmacotherapies hold promise for more effective and accessible treatment options, potentially transforming the landscape of obesity care.