Oral Medications and Weight Management Materials

MAXIMIZING OUTCOMES: THE IMPACT OF ORAL MEDICATIONS ON WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Faculty:

L. Austin Fredrickson, MD, FACP

L. Austin Fredrickson, MD, FACP, is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University, where he serves as core faculty and teaches diagnostics, therapeutics, clinical skills, and health humanities. He is board-certified in general internal medicine and practices rural primary care.

Susan Bowlin, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, CBN

Dr. Susan Bowlin, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, CBN, is a double-board certified nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in family practice, acute care, and obesity medicine. She is the founder of Priority One Weight Loss, where she specializes in evidence-based obesity care, empowering patients to achieve sustainable health and vitality. Dr. Bowlin holds a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine. She is a national speaker and educator on cardiometabolic disease and a founding member and treasurer of the Dallas Obesity Society. An active leader in her field, Dr. Bowlin is dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate care, patient-centered solutions, and innovative treatment modalities.

Liz Fredrickson, PharmD, BCPS

Liz Fredrickson is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) College of Pharmacy.

Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS

Pamela Sardo is a freelance medical writer, pharmacist licensed in 2 states, and the founder/principal at Sardo Solutions. She received her BS from the University of Connecticut and a PharmD from the University of Rhode Island. Pam’s career spans many years in retail, clinics, hospitals, long-term care, Veterans Affairs, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and managed healthcare across broad therapeutic classes and disease states.

Topic Overview:

Oral anti-obesity medications (AOMs) serve as valuable tools in the management of obesity. Current guidelines advocate for a multimodal approach to obesity treatment, incorporating lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise alongside pharmacotherapy when appropriate. The decision to initiate an oral AOM should be personalized, considering the patient’s weight loss goals, comorbidities, and the medication’s safety profile. This educational activity will provide an in-depth review of the mechanisms of action, dosing strategies, and the efficacy and safety profiles of oral AOMs. Additionally, this

activity will emphasize the critical role of long-term monitoring, shared decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration in ensuring these therapies are used safely and effectively to optimize patient outcomes.

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Universal Activity Number (UAN): The ACPE Universal Activity Number assigned to this activity is 0669-0000-25-046-H01-P.

Pharmacist  0669-0000-25-046-H01-P

Pharmacy Technician  0669-0000-25-047-H01-T

Credits: 2 contact hour(s) (0.2 CEU(s)) of continuing education credit

Type of Activity: Knowledge

Media: Internet/Home study Fee Information: $6.99

Estimated time to complete activity: 2 contact hour(s) (0.2 CEU(s)), including Course Test and course evaluation

Release Date: April 21, 2025 Expiration Date: April 21, 2028

Target Audience: This educational activity is for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Secondary Audiences: This educational activity is also for other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians, or others who may be part of a healthcare team and may be interested in this educational topic. A healthcare team approach to patient care may be discussed in this activity, as applicable. No state board or professional organization has evaluated this activity to determine whether it meets the continuing education requirements of nurses, physicians, or other professions not listed under the “Target Audience” described above. Always verify with individual employers or supervisors whether they will accept this educational activity upon completion.

How to Earn Credit: From April 21, 2025, through April 21, 2025, participants must:

Read the “learning objectives” and “author and planning team disclosures;”

Study the section entitled “Educational Activity;” and

Complete the Course Test and Evaluation form. The Course Test will be graded automatically. Following successful completion of the Course Test with a score of 70% or higher, a statement of participation will be made available immediately. (No partial credit will be given.)

Credit for this course will be uploaded to CPE Monitor®.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

Compare and Contrast the mechanisms of oral anti-obesity medications (AOMs) in weight management

Describe the efficacy and safety of oral AOMs

Identify interprofessional collaboration strategies to optimize treatment outcomes

Educate patients on the appropriate use of oral AOMs

Disclosures

The following individuals were involved in developing this activity: L. Austin Fredrickson, MD, FACP, Liz Fredrickson, PharmD, BCPS, Susan Bowlin, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, CBN, and Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS. Austin Frederickson, Liz Frederickson, and Pamela Sardo have no conflict of interest or financial relationship or commercial or financial support relevant to this activity to report or disclose in the development of this activity. Susan Bowlin is a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Any potential conflicts of interest were mitigated.

© RxCe.com LLC 2025: All rights reserved. No reproduction of all or part of any content herein is allowed without the prior, written permission of RxCe.com LLC.

Educational Activity

Maximizing Outcomes: The Impact of Oral Medications on Weight Management

Introduction

Oral anti-obesity medications (AOMs) serve as valuable tools in the management of obesity. Current guidelines advocate for a multimodal approach to obesity treatment, incorporating lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise alongside pharmacotherapy when appropriate.1,2 The decision to initiate an oral AOM should be personalized, considering the patient’s weight loss goals, comorbidities, and the medication’s safety profile.1 Table 1 provides an overview of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)/American College of Endocrinology (ACE) approach to diagnosing and managing obesity.1

Table 1

Diagnosis and Medical Management of Obesity1

This educational activity will provide an in-depth review of the mechanisms of action, dosing strategies, and the efficacy and safety profiles of oral AOMs. Additionally, this activity will emphasize the critical role of long- term monitoring, shared decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration in ensuring these therapies are used safely and effectively to optimize patient outcomes.

Mechanisms and Effectiveness of Oral AOMs

Oral AOMs vary in their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and suitability for different patient populations. They can be categorized as either intra-gastrointestinal agents or centrally acting agents.3 Intra-gastrointestinal agents act locally within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to reduce calorie absorption. This localized action limits systemic effects, with side effects typically confined to the GI tract, including oily stools, flatulence, and fecal urgency.3,4,5 In contrast, centrally acting agents target the central nervous system (CNS) to suppress appetite, enhance satiety, or regulate energy expenditure by influencing hypothalamic and mesolimbic pathways.3,4 These agents have systemic effects due to CNS involvement and are associated with side effects such as mood changes, nausea, and increased heart rate.3,4

Orlistat

Orlistat is the only FDA-approved intra-gastrointestinal AOM.5 It acts as a reversible inhibitor of pancreatic and gastric lipases and can inhibit dietary fat absorption by 30%.5 It is recommended to be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight management in patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² or those with a BMI ≥27 kg/m² and at least one weight-associated comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia).1,2,5 The recommended dose of Xenical® is 120 mg orally three times daily with each main meal that contains fat, taken during or within one hour of the meal.6 Doses should be skipped if a meal is missed or contains no fat.6 Some experts recommend starting with a lower dose of 60 mg (available as Alli©) to improve GI tolerability or switching to the 60 mg dose if the 120 mg dose is poorly tolerated.6,7 Alli® (available over- the-counter (OTC)), is dosed at 60 mg orally three times daily with fat- containing meals and has a maximum dose of 180 mg/day.6 Discontinuation of orlistat should be considered if weight loss is less than 4% to 5% of baseline body weight after three months of use.5

While its efficacy is modest—providing an average weight loss of 3.1% over placebo—it offers patients additional cardiometabolic benefits, such as reductions in LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, it is associated with notable GI side effects, including oily fecal spotting (27%), steatorrhea (20%), and fecal urgency (22%), which often lead to decreases in long-term adherence. Patients can be counseled that these side effects often decrease within four weeks of starting the medication, and they can be mitigated by following a low-fat diet.3-7 Patients using orlistat should also be counseled to take a multivitamin at bedtime to offset the potential for reduced absorption of fat- soluble vitamins.3

Orlistat is also considered effective for obesity-related complications such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, where it may aid in reducing hepatic steatosis and inflammation when paired with a calorie-restricted diet and physical activity.1 It may also be used in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to improve hyperandrogenism and metabolic parameters.1

However, its use is contraindicated in patients with oxalate nephropathy or a history of nephrolithiasis due to increased risk.1 For patients with cardiovascular risk factors, orlistat is considered a safe option due to its neutral effect on heart rate and blood pressure.1

In clinical practice, orlistat's use should be individualized based on patient-specific factors, and adherence should be monitored closely to maximize benefits. Notably, the AGA guidelines recommend against using orlistat; however, they note that it may be useful for patients who value small weight loss benefits and are willing to tolerate the associated GI side effects, despite its limited effectiveness. Orlistat remains a viable option for patients seeking cardiometabolic benefits but who may not tolerate other AOMs.3

Phentermine

Phentermine is a centrally acting medication that suppresses appetite by affecting norepinephrine in the hypothalamus.8 It is indicated for short- term use (up to 12 weeks) as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight management in patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² or those with a BMI ≥27 kg/m² and at least one weight-associated comorbidity, such as dyslipidemia.1,8 It should be avoided in patients with heart disease or poorly controlled hypertension.1 The dosing of phentermine is expressed in terms of the salt, phentermine hydrochloride. For capsules and tablets (excluding Lomaira®), the typical dose is 15 to 18.75 mg once daily or 30 to 37.5 mg daily, taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.8 For Lomaira tablets, the recommended dose is 8 mg three times daily, taken 30 minutes before meals.8

Patients who take phentermine may achieve moderate weight loss of 4% to 6%, and it is among the most affordable AOMs.3 However, its long- term use is off-label, and concerns remain about its cardiovascular safety profile.3 Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, and headache, which may improve with dose adjustments.8 The AACE/ACE guidelines recommend that phentermine be avoided in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease due to potential risks such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.1 The AGA guidelines suggest the use of

phentermine with lifestyle modifications, but also recommend it be avoided in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.2

Phentermine-Topiramate

Phentermine-topiramate, extended-release, is recommended for chronic weight management in combination with diet and exercise in patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² or those with a BMI ≥27 kg/m² and at least one weight- associated comorbidity, such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension.1,9 The combination enhances weight loss through dual mechanisms: phentermine suppresses appetite by releasing norepinephrine, while topiramate, an anticonvulsant, promotes satiety (feeling well-fed) by modulating GABAergic activity and suppressing food cravings.3,9 The initial dose is 3.75 mg/23 mg once daily for 14 days, followed by an increase to 7.5 mg/46 mg once daily for 12 weeks.9 After 12 weeks, if at least 3% of baseline body weight has not been lost, therapy should either be discontinued with a gradual taper (e.g., switching to every-other-day dosing for at least one week before stopping) or escalated to a higher dose based on tolerability and patient preference.9 If escalation is chosen, the dose can be increased to 11.25 mg/69 mg once daily for 14 days, and then to a maximum dose of 15 mg/92 mg once daily.9 After 12 weeks on the maximum dose, therapy should be discontinued with gradual tapering if at least 5% of baseline body weight has not been achieved.9

The combination of phentermine and topiramate produces synergistic effects, resulting in significant and sustained weight loss of 8% to 10%.3 It is particularly beneficial for patients with comorbid conditions such as controlled hypertension and diabetes, as it can improve blood pressure and glycemic control.3 However, it requires careful monitoring due to risks of teratogenicity and psychiatric side effects.3 Taking the combination of phentermine- topiramate ER within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is contraindicated in glaucoma patients due to an increased risk of a hypertensive crisis. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic risks, necessitating reliable contraception in women of childbearing potential.1

Other potential side effects include mood changes, cognitive effects, and elevated heart rate.9

Naltrexone-Bupropion

Naltrexone-bupropion extended-release is a centrally acting medication approved for chronic weight management in patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity.10 The combination works by targeting the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic reward system. Bupropion enhances dopamine and norepinephrine activity to reduce appetite, while naltrexone blocks opioid receptors to suppress food cravings.

The medication is initiated at a low dose and titrated to a target dose of 32 mg daily or 360 mg administered as two tablets twice daily.10 Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, and constipation. Naltrexone-bupropion is contraindicated in patients with angle closure glaucoma, current opioid therapy, uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, or a history of eating disorders.10 It also carries a boxed warning for potential neuropsychiatric side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, and should be used with caution in patients with depression or other mood disorders.1

By targeting appetite and cravings through central mechanisms, naltrexone-bupropion achieves a modest weight loss of 4.1% over placebo.3 It is more effective when combined with intensive behavioral therapy.3 It has minimal impact on cardiovascular risk factors but requires careful monitoring for blood pressure elevations due to the bupropion component.3

Comparison of Anti-Obesity Drugs for Obesity Management

When selecting an oral AOM in clinical practice, clinicians should adopt an individualized, evidence-based approach guided by patient-specific factors, including BMI, weight-related comorbidities, prior treatment history, and potential contraindications.1,2 According to the AACE/ACE guidelines, the decision to initiate pharmacologic therapy should be based on the patient’s

inability to achieve or sustain weight loss through lifestyle interventions alone, with consideration given to comorbidity burden and the need for long-term weight management.1

When considering the options for prescribing AOMs to a patient, the AGA guidelines recommend clinicians choose AOMs based on their efficacy, safety profiles, and mechanisms of action tailored to the patient’s needs.2 For example, phentermine/topiramate may be preferred for patients who require significant weight loss, while naltrexone/bupropion ER could be beneficial for individuals with binge-eating behaviors or concurrent smoking cessation needs.1,2

Additionally, medication tolerability, potential side effects, drug interactions, and insurance coverage should all be factored into the decision- making process. Shared decision-making is essential to enhance adherence, ensuring that patients are educated about expected outcomes, side effects, and the importance of combining pharmacologic therapy with sustained lifestyle modifications. Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor response and adjust treatment as needed, reinforcing the chronic nature of obesity management.

Table 2 summarizes the AACE/ACA Clinical Practice Guidelines for recommendations and monitoring related to prescribing oral AOMs.1 The table includes monitoring in cases where experts believe “insufficient data” is available or when use is “not recommended.” Weight loss medications may cause euphoria, which can contribute in part to the risk of misuse.11,12

Table 3 summarizes weight loss and cardiovascular changes.3 Clinicians should always refer to the prescribing information for each pharmaceutical agent for comprehensive safety and efficacy information.

Table 2

AACE/ACE Monitoring and Use Recommendations for Oral AOMs1

Table 3

Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Effects of Oral AOMs3

A 2024 study evaluated the effectiveness of six anti-obesity medications (phentermine, phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide (an injectable AOM), naltrexone/bupropion, lorcaserin, and orlistat) over a 6-month period, focusing on weight loss outcomes and changes in body composition.10 The primary outcome was the achievement of at least 5% weight loss, while secondary outcomes included ≥10% weight loss and changes in BMI, waist circumference (WC), and body composition metrics.10

Overall, 64.4% of participants achieved at least 5% weight loss within 6 months.10 Phentermine had the highest success rate (87.2%), followed by lorcaserin (75%), phentermine/topiramate (67.7%), liraglutide (58.1%),

orlistat (50%), and naltrexone/bupropion (35.3%) (P = 0.002).10 Phentermine consistently demonstrated significantly higher odds of achieving weight loss than the other AOMs at all time points (2, 4, and 6 months).10 When evaluating

≥10% weight loss, 30.2% of participants reached this threshold.10 In terms of body composition changes, there were significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat mass (BFM) across all AOM groups, but no significant differences in waist circumference (WC), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), percentage body fat (PBF), or visceral fat area (VFA).10 Phentermine and phentermine/topiramate showed the greatest reductions in body weight and fat mass, aligning with prior studies.10 Lorcaserin, while effective, is no longer available due to its FDA withdrawal over cancer risk concerns.10

Initiating and Stopping Oral AOMs Initiating Oral AOMs

The decision to start an AOM should be individualized, with healthcare providers weighing the risks and benefits based on the patient’s BMI, comorbidities, and treatment goals. Before prescribing, clinicians should establish clear treatment goals, ensure the patient understands the potential side effects, and emphasize adherence to lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and behavioral changes.13 Patient preferences play a critical role in adherence, as poor tolerability can lead to discontinuation and loss of treatment effects. At every visit, providers should monitor weight loss progress and side effects, adjusting treatment as necessary.13

Evaluating Treatment Response and Stopping Rules

To assess effectiveness, treatment response should be evaluated at 12 weeks using the maintenance dose.13 If a patient does not achieve at least 5% weight loss at 12 weeks (or 4% at 16 weeks for liraglutide), the medication should be discontinued, and an alternative therapy should be considered.

These “stopping rules” are recommended by the FDA to minimize unnecessary medication exposure and improve the risk-benefit profile.13 However, clinicians should also consider whether the full therapeutic dose was reached and whether behavioral and lifestyle interventions were sufficiently implemented, as medication alone is often insufficient for meaningful weight loss.13

Discontinuing Oral AOMs and Managing Weight Regain

When discontinuing AOMs, patients should be counseled that weight regain is expected, as most medications help sustain lower body weight rather than cure obesity.13 This reinforces the importance of ongoing lifestyle interventions and, in some cases, the need for long-term pharmacotherapy to maintain results. If weight regain occurs after discontinuation, providers should assess whether restarting pharmacotherapy or modifying the treatment plan is appropriate.13

The Role of Collaborative Practice Models in Obesity Treatment

Interprofessional teams collaborate and coordinate, emphasizing mutual respect, shared decision-making, effective communication, and collective accountability for patient outcomes. Because obesity is a complex, chronic disease, treatment should be multidisciplinary, incorporating physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists. Pharmacists play a crucial role in medication counseling, adherence monitoring, and identifying drug interactions, while dietitians provide personalized nutrition guidance to optimize weight loss. Behavioral therapists and psychologists help with habit formation, emotional eating, and motivational counseling, while exercise physiologists assist in developing safe and sustainable physical activity plans. This team-based approach enhances treatment adherence and long-term success by addressing the biological, psychological, and behavioral factors influencing obesity.

Access, Affordability, and Adherence Challenges

Access to AOMs remains a significant barrier for many patients in the United States. Medicare does not cover AOMs solely for obesity, and Medicaid coverage varies widely from state to state.3 Employer-sponsored insurance plans frequently exclude these medications, leaving many patients to pay out of pocket. High costs, even with discounts or coupons, often impede adherence. Clinicians can assist by advocating for coverage, facilitating prior authorizations, and exploring financial assistance programs.3 Despite their benefits, real-world studies show that adherence to AOMs is poor, often due to side effects, costs, or insufficient patient education.3

Summary

Oral AOMs play a critical role in the comprehensive management of obesity. They function through various mechanisms, and the selection of an appropriate AOM should be tailored to the patient’s characteristics, including BMI, comorbidities, medication safety profiles, potential contraindications, and obesity phenotype. Clinicians should also consider barriers such as access, affordability, and adherence to maximize treatment success.

Effective interprofessional collaboration—incorporating dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists—enhances long-term patient adherence and optimizes treatment outcomes. Regular follow-up is essential to assess weight loss progress, manage adverse effects, and reinforce the importance of lifestyle interventions alongside pharmacotherapy.

Course Test

Which of the following oral AOMs works by inhibiting dietary fat absorption?

Phentermine

Orlistat

Naltrexone-bupropion

Phentermine-topiramate

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of phentermine in weight management?

Inhibition of pancreatic lipase

Stimulation of dopamine and norepinephrine pathways to reduce appetite

Enhancement of satiety through serotonin release

Suppression of appetite via norepinephrine release in the hypothalamus

Which oral AOM has a dual mechanism of action, combining appetite suppression and satiety enhancement?

Orlistat

Phentermine-topiramate

Naltrexone-bupropion

Phentermine

Which AOM should be avoided in patients with uncontrolled hypertension due to its potential to increase heart rate and blood pressure?

Orlistat

Phentermine

Naltrexone-bupropion

Phentermine-topiramate

Which oral AOM is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic risks?

Phentermine-topiramate

Naltrexone-bupropion

Orlistat

Phentermine

Which AOM has notable gastrointestinal side effects, including oily stools, flatulence, and fecal urgency?

Phentermine

Orlistat

Naltrexone-bupropion

Phentermine-topiramate

A medical center director is establishing an interdisciplinary ‘Weight Loss Wellness’ clinic where patients will see multiple professionals. The director shared that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to communication, interaction, and integration of knowledge and care. The director asks the team to suggest professionals for the new clinic. Which of the following professions would be the best fit for the clinic?

Dietitians, psychologists, and exercise specialists

Physicians, dentists, and podiatrists

Pharmacists, ophthalmologists, and nurses

Psychologists, acupuncturists, and physicians

Which of the following most accurately describes the role of behavioral therapists and psychologists in treating individuals undergoing a team-based weight loss treatment program?

These professionals assist by providing medication counseling and adherence monitoring

These professionals help develop safe and sustainable physical activity plans.

These professionals assist with adherence monitoring, insurance coverage, and billing questions

These professionals assist with habit formation, emotional eating, and motivational counseling

When should patients be advised to discontinue orlistat due to insufficient weight loss?

After 1 month, if less than 2% of baseline weight loss is achieved

After 3 months, if less than 4%-5% of baseline weight loss is achieved

After 6 months, if less than 10% weight loss is achieved

After 12 weeks, regardless of weight loss

Which counseling point should be provided to patients taking orlistat to help mitigate its gastrointestinal side effects?

Increase fat intake to counteract malabsorption

Take orlistat on an empty stomach for better absorption

Follow a low-fat diet to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms

Avoid taking multivitamins to prevent interactions

References

Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL CARE OF PATIENTS WITH OBESITY. Endocr Pract. 2016;22 Suppl 3:1-203. doi:10.4158/EP161365.GL

Grunvald E, Shah R, Hernaez R, et al. AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on Pharmacological Interventions for Adults With Obesity. Gastroenterology. 2022;163(5):1198-1225. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2022.08.045

Gudzune KA, Kushner RF. Medications for Obesity: A Review. JAMA. 2024;332(7):571-584. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.10816

Bray GA, Ryan DH. Update on obesity pharmacotherapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2014;1311:1-13. doi:10.1111/nyas.12328

Xenical package insert. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020766s0 26lbl.pdf

Alli package insert. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021887lbl

.pdf

Adipex-p package insert. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/085128s0 65lbl.pdf

Qysymia package insert. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/022580s0 21lbl.pdf

Contrave package insert. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/200063s0 00lbl.pdf

Song JE, Ko HJ, Kim AS. Comparison of the Efficacy of Anti-Obesity Medications in Real-World Practice. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2024;18:845- 858. Published 2024 Mar 18. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S445415

Patel JP, Hardaswani D, Patel J, et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Orlistat, and Phentermine for Weight Loss in Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2025;17(3):e80321. Published 2025 Mar 10. doi:10.7759/cureus.80321

Krentz AJ, Fujioka K, Hompesch M. Evolution of pharmacological obesity treatments: focus on adverse side-effect profiles. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2016;18(6):558-570. doi:10.1111/dom.12657

Tak YJ, Lee SY. Anti-Obesity Drugs: Long-Term Efficacy and Safety: An Updated Review. World J Mens Health. 2021;39(2):208-221. doi:10.5534/wjmh.200010

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The information provided in this course is general in nature, and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice.

Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits.

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