Pharmacologic Treatment of Obesity in Adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity

Diabetes Obesity and Cardiometabolic CARE 2026 Open access

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Authors: Kimberly A. Gudzune, Caroline M. Apovian, Vanita R. Aroda, Louis J. Aronne, Kirthikaa Balapattabi, Allison K. Bennett, Sathyavathi ChallaSivaKanaka, Nuha A. ElSayed, Angela K Fitch, Stephanie L. Fitzpatrick, W. Timothy Garvey, Samar Hafida
+10 more Scott Kahan, Kamlesh Khunti, Robert F. Kushner, Joshua J. Neumiller, John W. Ostrominski, Elizabeth J. Pekas, Leigh Perreault, Alpana P. Shukla, Fatima Cody Stanford, Raveendhara R. Bannuru
DOI: 10.2337/doci25-0008
Cited by: 5
References: 248

Abstract

Obesity medications may be part of a comprehensive care plan for adults with obesity. The Obesity Association, a division of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), developed comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines on the pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults. When used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, obesity medications have demonstrated efficacy in inducing and sustaining weight reduction while concurrently improving clinical outcomes of obesity and obesity-related diseases and complications. Health care professionals should engage people with obesity in a person-centered, shared decision-making approach when selecting an obesity medication to optimize health outcomes while emphasizing individual needs and preferences. The ADA’s Obesity Association encourages health care professionals to adopt these guidelines for treatment of obesity in adults.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes Diabetes Treatment and Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Diabetes Obesity and Cardiometabolic CARE
Publisher
American Diabetes Association
Volume
1
Issue
1
Pages
5–36
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN