OBESITY PHARMACOTHERAPY: PHARMACIST’S ROLE IN LIFESTYLE AND DRUG MANAGEMENT

Obesity is a multifactorial, complex disease, which plays an important role in creating a burden of various chronic conditions
in the world, including diabetes type 2, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. Although
lifestyle change is the main intervention in obesity control, the pharmacotherapy becomes increasingly important in patients
with body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m 2 and above or 27 kg/m 2 and comorbid conditions. The pharmacists can be at the
center of the management of obesity because they are the most accessible, have knowledge in managing medication and can
lead the patients through changes of lifestyle. This paper will examine pharmacists’ role in obesity pharmacotherapy with
regard to their role in medication management, patient education, and personalized care. It points out the significance of the multidisciplinary approach as well that includes diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions as well as pharmacological
treatments. Pharmacists play an important role in mitigating the problem of obesity in the world and enhancing the long-term
health outcomes of patients by improving patient adherence and optimizing treatment regimens