Pharmacological Management of Obesity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: An Update

ABSTRACT

Type 2 diabetes is closely linked with obesity. Obesity is associated with risk of both development and progression of type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease. Although lifestyle modifications aimed at prompting weight reduction are cornerstone therapies in managing type 2 diabetes, weight reduction remains challenging for overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. A shift in the approach to weight management in patients with type 2 diabetes is clearly needed. Pharmacotherapy should be considered as a realistic treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot lose weight with health behavior modification alone. This review is focused on current pharmacotherapies for obesity to support the glycemic and weight loss goals of obese people with type 2 diabetes.