Nanomaterial-driven modulation of lipid metabolism: Novel strategies toward precision obesity treatment

Obesity treatment is entering a new era with the advent of multifunctional nanomaterials capable of precise biological intervention. This review highlights their pivotal role in overcoming key therapeutic limitations, including poor targeting, systemic toxicity, and low bioavailability. Based on the systematic analysis of lipid metabolism, we propose five strategic intervention points: reducing lipid intake, interfering with absorption, inhibiting storage, promoting consumption, and remodeling the adipose tissue microenvironment. Furthermore, we examine the application of diverse nanoplatforms in these therapeutic strategies, ranging from inorganic or polymeric nanoparticles to natural biopolymer-based nanomedicine, and demonstrate their potential in realizing precise targeting and transdermal drug delivery. By integrating mechanistic insights with advanced nanomaterial design, this work not only outlines a systematic framework for obesity nanomedicine, but also accelerates the translational path toward precision anti-obesity therapies. • Obesity and its complications are driven by dietary lipid metabolism. • Nanomaterials can achieve targeted obesity treatment through five strategies. • Nanomaterials can advance targeted and transdermal delivery system. • Nanomaterials can synergize with PDT, PTT, SDT to improve anti-obesity efficacy.