Abstract

OBESITY PHARMACOTHERAPY: PHARMACIST’S ROLE IN LIFESTYLE AND DRUG MANAGEMENT

Obesity is a multifactorial, complex disease, which plays an important role in creating a burden of various chronic conditions in the world, including diabetes type 2, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. Although lifestyle change is the main intervention in obesity control, the pharmacotherapy becomes increasingly important in patients with body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m 2 and above or 27 kg/m 2 and comorbid conditions. The pharmacists can be at the center of the management of obesity because they are the most accessible, have knowledge in managing medication and can lead the patients through changes of lifestyle. This paper will examine pharmacists’ role in obesity pharmacotherapy with regard to their role in medication management, patient education, and personalized care. It points out as well the significance of the multidisciplinary approach that includes diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions as well as pharmacological treatments. Pharmacists play an important role in mitigating the problem of obesity in the world and enhancing the long-term health outcomes of patients by improving patient adherence and optimizing treatment regimens.