Research
Hormonal
Sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., phentermine) reduce hunger and increase energy expenditure but are limited by adverse cardiovascular and central nervous system effects, leading to withdrawal of many agents from the market.
Older stimulant-based weight loss drugs can work by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure, but they carry higher risks of heart and nervous system side effects. Many have been removed from the market. If prescribed, they are typically for short-term use (12 weeks) and require careful monitoring.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Many drugs in this class were withdrawn from the market due to their untoward sympathomimetic cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulant effects.
Why this rating
Based on historical clinical trial data and FDA withdrawal decisions (e.g., Sibutramine).
Source
Epidemiology of Obesity and Pharmacologic Treatment Options
Vignesh Shettar et al. · Nutrition in Clinical Practice · 2017
DOI 10.1177/0884533617713189
narrative_reviewCited 25×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Obesity is associated with significant health consequences including metabolic diseases, fat mass diseases, and increased mortality, driving high healthcare costs.Strong
- Pharmacologic weight loss medications are effective only when used as adjuncts to lifestyle modifications; discontinuation of medication without sustained lifestyle changes leads to inevitable weight regain.Good
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