The Challenge of Obesity Treatment: A Review of Approved Drugs and New Therapeutic Targets

Obesity is a metabolic dysfunction associated with a wide range of chronic illnesses that cause significant increases in comorbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 13% of the world’s population is characterized as obese. Predictions state that these numbers are likely to increase exponentially in the future. Due to this scenario, it is important to highlight the available treatments for obesity and to assess their effectiveness. Although obesity is an ancient disease, studies are constantly being conducted to improve treatment effectiveness, reduce side effects of any current medications, and identify new therapeutics targets. Because the treatment of obesity is constantly evolving, treatment can be quite a challenge. Therefore, it is the objective of this review to provide a profile of the effectiveness of currently approachable pharmacotherapy and indicate possible new therapeutic targets.