Pharmacological treatment of obesity

More than 70% of the population in Mexico is overweight or obese, affecting mainly people in productive age. Obesity is associated with the development of diseases that increase cardiovascular risk (diabetes mellitus, hypertension or atherogenic dyslipidemia), diseases that limit the quality of life of the patient (osteoarthrosis or sleep apnea) and even with the increase in the incidence of certain types of cancer (breast or colon). It is evident that the decrease of at least 5% of body weight induces improvement in all these factors; however, in some patients it is difficult to achieve this goal only with lifestyle modifications. In this review we analyze some drugs approved for weight control by national and international agencies that can serve as an auxiliary in conjunction with diet and exercise. Treatment must be individualized according to each patient characteristics, with an adequate evaluation of their risks and benefits.