ObesityDay.org

Articoli sull'obesità

Pharmacological management of obesity.

Obesity is a major chronic health problem in adults. It is a complex, multifunctional disorder characterised by excess accumulation of adipose tissue. It is associated with a number of complication including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabets, dyslipidemia and cancer. A weight loss in the order of 5 - 10% is asssociated with clinically meaningful reductions with respect to all comorbidities. Diet and exercise has been the cornerstone of weight management therapy, but this approach has limitations, especially for weight maintenance. Previous drugs used in obesity had serious side effects including valvular heart disease. However, recent drugs like orlistat and sibutramina, inhibits absorption of dietery fat by approximately 30%. Taken with a hypocaloric diet, it produces and mainains clinically meaningful weight loss. Sibutramine is a centrally-acting agent which enhances satiety and thermogenesis by inhibiting serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake. It is appropriate for patients who are unable to lose weight by lifestyle modification.