Obesity is a disease process which has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and impacts millions of adults around the world. The causes of obesity are complex and include an interplay between genetics, environment, psychologic factors and chronic diseases. As such, we must look at obesity as a chronic disease and consider management with a variety of modalities including lifestyle, medications and possible surgical approaches based upon the patient’s health needs and goals.

The use of medications in the management of obesity has continued to grow and develop. We commonly see patients utilize lipase inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and other combination medications to manage their obesity and in an attempt to lower weight and improve health under the supervision of their healthcare provider.

1. For this assignment, create a table that summarizes the following anti-obesity medications that you can save and utilize later in practice:

· Orlistat

· Semaglutide

· Phentermine/Topiramate

· Naltrexone/Bupropion

2. For each of the medications provided above include a summary of the following information in your table:

· Mechanism of Action

· Indications for use

· Contraindications for use

· Potential Side Effects

· Expected weight loss

· Estimated cost of medication

· A minimum of two supporting references

Requirements

· Prepare and submit a table in MS Word or PDF format for this assignment.

· Utilize a minimum of two references to support the information summarized in your table.

· Include a cover page consistent with APA format and a reference page with full citations for each source.

· Address all the prompts for each of the four medications listed above.

· Please review the rubric to ensure that your assignment meets the criteria.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Completing Your Anti-Obesity Medication Table

1. Start with Your Cover Page (APA Format)

Your cover page should include:

Assignment title
Your name
Course number and title
Institution
Instructor’s name
Due date

2. Create Your Table Structure

Set up a table in MS Word or PDF with columns that include:

Medication Name
Mechanism of Action
Indications
Contraindications
Potential Side Effects
Expected Weight Loss
Estimated Cost
Supporting References

Your rows will be the four medications:

Orlistat
Semaglutide
Phentermine/Topiramate
Naltrexone/Bupropion

3. Summarize Each Medication Clearly and Clinically

Use concise, evidence-based points. Example guidance:

Orlistat

Mechanism: Works in the GI tract by inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipases.
Indications: BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities.
Contraindications: Chronic malabsorption, cholestasis.
Side Effects: GI oil spotting, flatulence, fatty stools.
Expected Weight Loss: ~3–5% beyond lifestyle alone.
Cost: Approx. range depending on brand vs OTC.
References: Include two peer-reviewed or guideline sources.

Repeat a similar structure for the remaining medications.

4. Use Reliable, Evidence-Based Sources

You must use at least two references, but including more is recommended for accuracy. Good sources include:

FDA prescribing information
Endocrine Society guidelines
Clinical review articles
Drug databases such as Lexicomp or Micromedex

5. Prepare Your Reference Page (APA Format)

Each medication requires citations for mechanism, effects, contraindications, and cost.
Ensure proper formatting with hanging indents and correct DOI or URL structure.

6. Final Steps Before Submission

Review your table to ensure all prompts are addressed.
Check spelling, consistency, and APA citation accuracy.
Compare your work with the assignment rubric.
Save your document as Word or PDF as required.

Helpful Credible Resource Links for Your Table

You can safely use the following academic and clinical sources:

Clinical Guidelines & Drug Information

Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline (Pharmacological Management of Obesity):
https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/pharmacological-management-of-obesity
FDA Drug Database:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/
Lexicomp (institution access may be required):
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lexicomp

Medication References

Orlistat – NIH MedlinePlus:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601244.html
Semaglutide – FDA Label (Wegovy):
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf
Phentermine/Topiramate – Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/phentermine-and-topiramate-oral-route/description/drg-20075700
Naltrexone/Bupropion – Drugs.com Monograph:
https://www.drugs.com/naltrexone-bupropion.html

If you’d like, I can also create:
✅ Your complete medication table (ready to submit)
✅ A formatted Word document or PDF
✅ Your APA reference page

Just tell me what you want next!

Anti-Obesity Medications: Mechanisms, Uses, Contraindications, and Clinical Considerations