Pharm - Obesity

Question 1

What is the primary goal of obesity therapy?

Answer 1

to reduce excess body fat for health reasons, aiming for a weight loss of 5-10% to achieve significant health benefits

Question 2

What are the 2 main phases of obesity treatment?

Answer 2

1. induction of weight loss: achieved through caloric restriction
2. Prevention of weight regain: counteracting neurobehavioral changes that promote weight restoration

Question 3

Name a commonly used appetite suppressant for obesity.

Answer 3

Bupropion (alone or in combination with naltrexone)

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action of Orlistat?

Answer 4

it is a pancreatic and gastric lipase inhibitor that reduces dietary fat absorption by approx. 30%

Question 5

List some common adverse effects of Bupropion

Answer 5

Dry mouth, constipation, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, and potential seizures at higher doses

Question 6

What are the adverse effects associated with Orlistat?

Answer 6

Oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, and decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

Question 7

What are incretin mimetics, and name two examples

Answer 7

incretin mimetics are GLP-1 agonists that help reduce appetite
ex. liraglutide and semaglutide

Question 8

what is the expected weight loss from liraglutide over two years?

Answer 8

approx 8 kg when combined with lifestyle measures

Question 9

what are some drugs associated with weight gain?

Answer 9

antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and certain antihyperglycemic drugs

Question 10

What is the significance of the STEP trials?

Answer 10

they investigated the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, showing significant results compared to placebo

Question 11

What is the recommended weight gain target during pregnancy for women with obesity?

Answer 11

no more than 5-9.1 kg (11-20 lbs)

Question 12

What should be done if a patient does not achieve at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks on GLP-1 agonists?

Answer 12

discontinue the medication

Question 13

What is the role of GLP-1 in the body?

Answer 13

GLP-1 reduces food intake and appetite, increases satiety, and decreases gastric emptying

Question 14

what is the average weight loss associated with semaglutide over two years?

Answer 14

approx 16 kg when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes

Question 15

what are the common gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 agonists?

Answer 15

nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea

Question 16

what should patients taking Orlistat be advised regarding vitamin intake?

Answer 16

they should take a multivitamin daily at least 2 hours before or after taking Orlistat

Question 17

what are the contraindications for using Liraglutide?

Answer 17

Personal or family hisotry of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and pregnancy

Question 18

what is the average weight gain associated with tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline?

Answer 18

approx 1.8 kg during the first 3 months of therapy

Question 19

How does Bupropion/naltrexone work for weight management?

Answer 19

it mediates hormones involved in appetite and reward, leading to a new weight loss of 4.2% over 48 weeks

Question 20

what is the average weight gain associated with insulin therapy?

Answer 20

up to 8 kg during an intensive 3 month course of therapy

Question 21

what are the key findings from the meta-analysis regarding GLP-1 analogues?

Answer 21

Evidence of appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and changes in taste and food preferences.

Question 22

What lifestyle modifications are recommended alongside pharmacotherapy for obesity?

Answer 22

Adherence to a reduced-calorie diet (500 kcal deficit) and increased physical activity (150 minutes per week).

Question 23

What is the expected weight loss from Bupropion at 400 mg over 24 weeks?

Answer 23

A net weight loss of approximately 5.1%.

Question 24

What are the potential risks associated with Semaglutide?

Answer 24

Increase in amylase and lipase levels, suggesting possible pancreatitis.