ADVANCES IN OBESITY PHARMACOTHERAPY: CURRENT STATE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Aleksandra Wielogórska; Olga Stasiak; Filip Kowalik; Maria Deczkowska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5972

Authors

Aleksandra Wielogórska District Medical Center in Grojec, ul. Ks. Piotra Skargi 10, 05-600 Grojec, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6582-6569
Olga Stasiak Miedzylesie Specialist Hospital in Warsaw, ul. Bursztynowa 2, 04-749 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3013-8015
Filip Kowalik Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Insitute, ul. Szaserów 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8291-0117
Maria Deczkowska Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Insitute, ul. Szaserów 128, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5418-6620

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5972

Keywords:

Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, GIP Receptor Agonists, Glucagon Receptor Agonists, Amylin Analogs, Body Composition, Weight Loss

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive body weight is a growing problem in Poland and worldwide. Adverse epidemiological trends necessitate the search for effective pharmacological therapies to support behavioral interventions in achieving sustainable therapeutic goals and reducing the risk of metabolic complications of obesity.

Material and Methodology: We reviewed the current medical literature and the results of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials (including the STEP, SURMOUNT, TRIUMPH, REDEFINE and ATTAIN programmes) regarding approved and experimental anti-obesity medications as part of this narrative review.

Results: The analysis shows the evolution of incretin-based therapies. In addition to approved GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide) and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists (tirzepatide), the high efficacy of new molecules has been demonstrated: retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/GCG agonist), survodutide, and cagrilintide/semaglutide combination therapy. Studies prove that new molecules enable significant weight reduction while offering beneficial cardiometabolic effects, including improved glycemic parameters, lipid profiles, and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. New developmental directions include oral administration routes (orforglipron) and muscle-sparing drugs (bimagrumab).

Conclusions: Modern pharmacotherapy for obesity aims to achieve greater efficacy in weight reduction and maximize benefits in treating comorbidities. One of the developmental directions is improving adherence by introducing patient-friendly drug delivery forms. Overcoming therapeutic barriers, such as loss of lean body mass and preventing weight regain after treatment discontinuation, also remains a challenge.

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