Cardiometabolic Effects of Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy

Purpose of Review

We review recent studies discussing the impact of pharmacologic agents for weight loss on clinical cardiovascular events, as well as cardiometabolic risk factors.

Recent Findings

Pharmacotherapy with current FDA-approved medications for weight loss can significantly improve known risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, inflammatory biomarkers, and the quantity of visceral fat, as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, data regarding the actual reduction in clinical cardiovascular events with the use of weight loss medications is scarce.

Summary

Pharmacotherapy for weight loss may have additional benefit in optimizing patient’s cardiometabolic comorbidities and improving their clinical cardiovascular outcomes, but each drug should be carefully selected based upon individual patient characteristics.