APPETITE-SUPPRESSANTS AS ADJUNCTS IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY

Obesity is a common and challenging problem that often leads to other medical problems, including type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hyperten sion, coronary artery disease, and degenerative joint disease. Weight loss, which is central to the dietary treatments for obesity, is often of limited success. Recent studies have documented the safety and eff icacy of certain appetite suppressants for assisting in long-term weig ht loss and maintenance of weight loss. Since appetite suppressants, a lone or in combination, have been documented to be safe and effective adjuncts for treating obesity and complicated obesity, physicians shou ld consider using these agents in the pharmacotherapy for obese patien ts.