Medical evolution of obesity medications

The medical landscape for obesity management is evolving as medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide shift the focus toward treating obesity as a chronic disease. Experts note that because weight loss can be regained after discontinuing treatment, these drugs are increasingly compared to long-term maintenance medications for hypertension or high cholesterol.

Beyond weight management, the therapeutic application of these drugs is expanding. Semaglutide has received FDA approval for adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) involving moderate to advanced fibrosis without cirrhosis. Furthermore, new injectable treatments such as the dual agonist survotutide are showing promise in targeting diabetes, obesity, and hepatic steatosis simultaneously.

Medical experts emphasize that while these drugs are significant tools, they are not a panacea. Professor Erifylli Chatziangelaki notes that these injectable treatments offer new prospects for specific patient groups, but lifestyle modifications—including healthy diet and physical activity—remain the cornerstones of treatment. Experts warn that improper use without medical supervision can lead to serious complications, such as significant muscle mass loss and sarcopenia.