Pharmacologic Management of Obesity: FDA-Approved and Off-Label Agents

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts relevant to the pharmacologic management of obesity, including definitions and explanations.

Obesity

A medical condition characterized by excessive body fat, defined as a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m².

Pharmacotherapy

The use of medication to treat a condition, in this context, to manage obesity.

Long-term weight management agents (AOMs)

Medications approved by the FDA for sustained weight loss efforts.

Epidemiology

The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.

Pathophysiology of obesity

The biological mechanisms and processes that contribute to the development and progression of obesity.

GLP-1 receptor agonists

A class of medications that mimic the hormone GLP-1, increasing satiety and reducing appetite.

Sympathomimetic agents

Drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, often leading to appetite suppression.

Lipase inhibitor

A type of medication that prevents the absorption of fat from the diet by inhibiting lipase enzymes.

Off-label medications

Drugs used for a purpose other than that for which they were approved by the FDA.

Adverse effects

Unintended and harmful reactions to a medication or treatment.

Contraindications

Specific situations in which a drug or treatment should not be used.

Monitoring parameters

Specific clinical parameters that need to be observed to ensure patient safety and efficacy of treatment.

Appetite suppression

A decrease in the feeling of hunger, often a target of weight loss medications.

Weight-related comorbidities

Health conditions that are associated with being overweight or obese, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes.