Research
Adherence
Early response to treatment (≥5% weight loss in 3 months) is a strong predictor of long-term success; non-responders should switch therapies.
Monitor your weight closely in the first 3 months of starting a new obesity medication. If you haven't lost at least 5% of your body weight, talk to your doctor about switching to a different therapy. Early success is the best predictor of long-term success.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Substantial weight loss during the initial phase of treatment correlates with greater weight loss after 12 months, while minimal early weight loss signals a poor likelihood of response over time (34, 41, 42).
Why this rating
Supported by multiple pooled analyses and guidelines cited.
Source
Pharmacotherapy for obesity: are we ready to select, tailor and combine pharmacotherapy to achieve more ambitious goals?
Nele Steenackers et al. · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2025
narrative_reviewCited 3×
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