The role of nutrition therapy in the era of new weight-lowering drugs
- 27.05.2025
- English Articles
- Hans Hauner
Peer reviewed / Manuscript (short paper) submitted: 23 January 2025, revision accepted: 05 February 2025
Background
Obesity medicine is currently experiencing significant transformations, mainly driven by novel weight-lowering drugs that represent a breakthrough in weight loss potential and safety compared to previous medical options. These new medications reduce appetite and enhance satiety via central nervous pathways, leading to decreased caloric intake and subsequent weight loss [1].
Two recently approved drugs, semaglutide (Wegovy®), a GLP1-receptor agonist, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), a dual GLP1-/ GIP-receptor agonist, demonstrate significantly greater weight loss than earlier weight-lowering agents and are also more effective than multimodal lifestyle interventions for obesity [2]. The first GLP1-receptor agonist approved for weight loss, liraglutide, (Saxenda®) is less potent, which may explain why it is infrequently prescribed for weight reduction. While these new medications require a physician’s prescription, but are not reimbursed by health insurance, placing a financial burden of more than 300€ per month on patients. ...
Abstract
Novel weight-lowering drugs are transforming the treatment of obesity. These so-called incretin mimetics not only lead to substantial weight loss but may also improve severe comorbidities associated with obesity. At the same time, it is increasingly clear that while these medications support lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet, they cannot fully replace behavioral modifications. Therefore, a balance approach that combines lifestyle measures with adjuvant pharmacotherapy offers much better treatment options for individuals with obesity. The aim of this article is to provide an assessment of the clinical utility of these drugs based on clinical studies and their application in routine care.
