Clinical obesity is a complex progressive disease generating compounding bio-psycho-social burden for those living with obesity. Weight loss is a logical and highly effective therapy. Yet, effective therapies have been few, and usage uncommon. That needs to change with broader equity and access to care.
Currently, we have a range of effective pharmacotherapies, and their efficacy and safety will be discussed. Fortunately, the future looks brighter with a pipeline of agents at varying phases of development. The Gut-Brain axis, as suggested by the efficacy of bariatric-metabolic surgery, holds a range of targets that are now bearing fruit. Emerging therapies and pivotal studies will be presented.
There are many barriers to delivering better care in Australia and New Zealand with weight stigma and poor understanding of the determinants, pathophysiology, and consequences of obesity dominant. A new narrative is urgently needed, and we are in the front line to deliver equitable care to those living with clinical obesity.