Pharmacological Treatment of Adult Obesity

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with multifactorial origins, including genetic, behavioral, metabolic, and environmental contributors. The Pharmacological Treatment of Adult Obesity course offers advanced practice providers a clinically grounded approach to managing obesity using evidence-based pharmacotherapy alongside lifestyle interventions.

This course reviews the current pharmacologic options approved for long-term and short-term obesity management, with emphasis on mechanism of action, efficacy, safety profiles, and patient selection criteria. Participants will explore how to integrate pharmacologic agents into comprehensive obesity treatment plans, taking into account comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk, and mental health considerations.

Topics covered include:

• Pathophysiology of Obesity: Understanding hormonal, neurochemical, and metabolic factors that influence weight regulation.
• Clinical Assessment: Criteria for diagnosing obesity, determining severity, and evaluating patient readiness for pharmacotherapy.
• Pharmacologic Agents: Detailed review of FDA-approved medications for obesity treatment, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, sympathomimetics, lipase inhibitors, and combination agents.
• Patient Selection and Monitoring: Identifying appropriate candidates for pharmacologic treatment and establishing goals for weight loss, adherence, and long-term safety.
• Drug Interactions and Contraindications: Evaluating potential adverse effects, drug-drug interactions, and contraindicated populations.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Integrating pharmacotherapy with behavioral counseling, nutritional therapy, and physical activity in a patient-centered approach.
• Obesity and Comorbidities: Managing pharmacologic treatment in the context of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and depression.
• Regulatory and Prescriptive Considerations: Review of prescriptive authority, insurance coverage, and ethical considerations in anti-obesity pharmacotherapy.

Completion Requirements:

To receive full CE credit, participants must:

• Register for the course.
• Complete all course modules and assigned readings.
• Pass the post-test with a score of 70% or higher.
• Submit course evaluations for each module.

Course materials may include case scenarios, state-specific policy references, and downloadable clinical tools for use in practice.

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: Faculty and planners report no relevant financial relationships.
• Commercial Support: This activity received no external commercial funding or sponsorship.
• Non-Endorsement: Accreditation does not imply endorsement of any commercial products or companies.
• Off-Label Product Use: Any mention of off-label drug use is consistent with current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice.