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Pharmacologic Therapy of Obesity

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Book cover The Management of Eating Disorders and Obesity

Part of the book series: Nutrition ◊ and ◊ Health ((NH))

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Abstract

This chapter provides physicians with guide to current and potential drugs used for the treatment of obesity, excluding agents being developed based on molecular technologies. The molecular basis of obesity is summarized in Chapter 18. Following a brief historical review, the evolution of drug treatment is described, followed by a discussion of the medications currently used as well as those in development (Table 1). The final section focuses on the clinical settings in which medications may be indicated and criteria for selecting patients. WARNING: Most available drugs for treating obesity are “scheduled” by the Drug Enforcement Agency. These “schedules” and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines are used by state regulatory agencies to regulate medical practice. Use of any scheduled drug in a manner different from these regulations, regardless of what is reasonable medical practice or in the best interest of patients, can result in criminal prosecution for a felony violation. If convicted, you can go to jail or have your license suspended. If you intend to use these drugs, check the regulations of your state licensing board.

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  1. George A. Bray
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Lilly Research Laboratories, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    David J. Goldstein MD, PhD

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Bray, G.A. (1999). Pharmacologic Therapy of Obesity. In: Goldstein, D.J. (eds) The Management of Eating Disorders and Obesity. Nutrition ◊ and ◊ Health. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-694-2_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-694-2_16

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-6761-2

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