Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of care in overweight and obesity

Obesity medications may be part of a comprehensive care plan for adults with obesity. The Obesity Association, a division of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), developed comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines on the pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults. When used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, obesity medications have demonstrated efficacy in inducing and sustaining weight reduction while concurrently improving clinical outcomes of obesity and obesity-related diseases and complications. Healthcare professionals should engage people with obesity in a person-centered, shared decision-making approach when selecting an obesity medication to optimize health outcomes while emphasizing individual needs and preferences. The ADA’s Obesity Association encourages healthcare professionals to adopt these guidelines for treatment of obesity in adults.