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Pharmacotherapy is an efficient, evidence-based therapy for folks residing with weight problems, as a part of a long-term, individualized therapy plan. An up to date pharmacotherapy guideline for weight problems administration in adults displays new proof and Well being Canada–authorised drugs, with elevated emphasis on individualized and customized care.
“Pharmacotherapy for obesity management in adults: 2025 clinical practice guideline update” is revealed in Canadian Medical Affiliation Journal .
“Pharmacotherapy can help people living with obesity improve overall health, not just lose weight,” says Dr. Sue D. Pedersen, MD, endocrinologist and weight problems drugs specialist in Calgary, and lead writer of this guideline.
“The goal of obesity medications is to improve metabolic, mechanical, and/or mental health, and improve quality of life, incorporating treatment goals that are important to each individual patient.”
The rule of thumb consists of six new and 7 revised suggestions, reflecting the newest proof because the 2022 and 2020 variations of the rule. It takes the emphasis off physique mass index (BMI) and focuses on an individualized method that makes use of extra indicators, corresponding to waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, adjusted for intercourse and ethnicity the place applicable, and the presence of obesity-related issues.
“Obesity pharmacotherapy is a safe and effective option to support long-term obesity care,” says Dr. Pedersen.
“It is one of three pillars of treatment outlined in the full Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guideline, with other pillars being behavioral and psychological and surgical approaches. Obesity treatment should always be tailored to each person’s specific health needs, values, and preferences. Recommendations also support sustained use of obesity pharmacotherapy as part of a long-term strategy to maintain improvements in health and quality of life.”
Suggestions embody two new drugs, tirzepatide and setmelanotide, in addition to new suggestions for obesity-related issues corresponding to atherosclerotic heart problems, coronary heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, osteoarthritis, and extra.
The rule of thumb recommends in opposition to utilizing compounded weight problems drugs due to issues about content material, security, efficacy, and high quality.
The rule of thumb panel notes that solely Alberta acknowledges weight problems as a power illness. Limitations to entry—corresponding to price, stigma, and restricted drug plan protection—proceed to stop Canadians from receiving medicine and assist.
“The lack of recognition of obesity as a chronic disease by public and private payers, health systems, the public, and media has a trickle-down effect, limiting access to treatment (e.g., related to medication costs),” the authors conclude.
Extra data:
Sue D. Pedersen, et al. Pharmacotherapy for weight problems administration in adults: 2025 scientific follow guideline replace, Canadian Medical Affiliation Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.250502
The total guideline and associated instruments could be discovered on the Weight problems Canada web site.
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Canadian Medical Affiliation Journal
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Pharmacotherapy for the administration of weight problems—an up to date guideline (2025, August 11)
retrieved 11 August 2025
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