The Critical Role of Lifestyle With the Use of Contemporary Obesity Management Medications

The emergence of the latest generation of obesity management medications (OMMs) or commonly referred to as "GLP-1s," are proving to be highly efficacious for the reduction of excess body weight. A comprehensive obesity care strategy in which patients are prescribed both lifestyle and medication therapy to promote holistic health and well-being are recommended. Lifestyle modification, through changes in eating and exercise behaviors, has long been a cornerstone of obesity treatment; however, there is a lack of evidence to fully demonstrate the role that lifestyle plays with the latest generation of OMMs compared to previous obesity pharmacotherapies. While obesity continues to be a significant public health problem, medical treatments for obesity have entered a new era with a promising outlook. However, there are key aspects that warrant further consideration to treat patients with obesity in a comprehensive manner that includes medical management, lifestyle, and behavioral health. Highlighted throughout are evidence-based aspects of obesity care, areas where there are gaps in evidence and critical questions remain, and opportunities for enhancing comprehensive obesity treatment.