The Critical Role of Lifestyle With the Use of Contemporary Obesity Management Medications.

Abstract

The emergence of the latest generation of obesity management medications (OMMs) or commonly referred to as "GLP-1s," are proving to be highly efficacious for the reduction of excess body weight. A comprehensive obesity care strategy in which patients are prescribed both lifestyle and medication therapy to promote holistic health and well-being are recommended. Lifestyle modification, through changes in eating and exercise behaviors, has long been a cornerstone of obesity treatment; however, there is a lack of evidence to fully demonstrate the role that lifestyle plays with the latest generation of OMMs compared to previous obesity pharmacotherapies. While obesity continues to be a significant public health problem, medical treatments for obesity have entered a new era with a promising outlook. However, there are key aspects that warrant further consideration to treat patients with obesity in a comprehensive manner that includes medical management, lifestyle, and behavioral health. Highlighted throughout are evidence-based aspects of obesity care, areas where there are gaps in evidence and critical questions remain, and opportunities for enhancing comprehensive obesity treatment.