Therapies for Obesity and Medication-Associated Weight Gain

Abstract

Compared to the general population, individuals with psychiatric illness, especially serious and chronic mood and psychotic disorders, are more likely to be overweight or obese, have higher rates of weight-related medical conditions, and have greater non-suicide mortality rates. Lorcaserin (Belviq(®)), phentermine/topiramate combination (Qsymia(®)), and bupropion/naltrexone combination have been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of obesity, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity, although their absolute safety has yet to be established with more widespread use or longer use. Bariatric surgery is an effective approach for morbid obesity, but careful psychiatric assessment before and follow up after surgery is necessary. Behavioral lifestyle interventions to promote weight loss are effective and should be implemented along with or instead of drug therapies or surgery.