Comprehensive review of current and emerging weight loss medications covers GLP-1 drugs, dual/triple agonists, amylin analogs, and emerging oral formulations for obesity treatment.
From 15% to 24% weight lossWeight loss medications have progressed from single GLP-1 agonists (15%) to triple agonists (24%) in just a few years
What the researchers found
The obesity drug pipeline has expanded from single GLP-1 agonists to dual/triple agonists and amylin combinations, with oral formulations emerging for improved access.
Why it matters
With multiple new obesity drugs approaching approval, patients and clinicians need a comprehensive guide to compare all available and upcoming options.
The numbers in context
Drugs covered: Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Setmelanotide, Tirzepatide (injectable); Phentermine, Phentermine/Topiramate, Bupropion/Naltrexone, Orlistat, Metformin (oral); Cagrilintide, Bimagrumab (emerging).
How the study worked
Narrative review of current and emerging parenteral and oral weight loss medications, covering mechanisms, efficacy, safety, and clinical positioning.
Who was studied
Adults with obesity considering pharmacotherapy
What this study cannot tell us
Rapidly evolving field — some drugs are still in clinical trials. Head-to-head comparisons are limited. Long-term data for newer agents is sparse.
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence: narrative review covering drugs at various stages from approved to investigational.
When this study was published
Published in 2025. Most comprehensive review of the current and emerging obesity drug pipeline.
The bigger picture
We are entering an era where obesity will be treated with the same pharmacological sophistication as hypertension or diabetes — multiple drug classes, combination therapies, and individualized selection based on patient profiles.
Questions still open
- Which weight loss drug will ultimately win the market?
- Will oral GLP-1 formulations achieve the same efficacy as injections?
- How should clinicians choose between the many available options?
Common questions
What weight loss drugs are available now?
Will there be a weight loss pill instead of injection?
Read the original research
Current and Emerging Parenteral and Peroral Medications for Weight Loss: A Narrative Review.
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), 13(5)
Citation
Al Lawati, Abdullah; Alhabsi, Ayman; Rahul, Rhieya; Savino, Maria-Luisa; Alwahaibi, Hamed; Das, Srijit; Al Lawati, Hanan. (2025). Current and Emerging Parenteral and Peroral Medications for Weight Loss: A Narrative Review.. Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), 13(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13050129