Editorial: Obesity management with next-generation drugs

Obesity and the associated morbidity and mortality have long been a significant chronic disease challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Current treatment options use lifestyle modifications, medication, or bariatric surgery to induce a negative energy balance. While medications for obesity have been available for decades, healthcare providers have often been hesitant to prescribe them due to concerns about potential side effects and the necessity of long-term use. However, it is important to recognize that side effects of medications are a common possibility, and yet medications are prescribed when their benefits outweigh the potential risks. Not treating obesity effectively also poses its own risk, which needs to be recognized when considering obesity medications. Similarly, a chronic disease such as obesity needs chronic treatment, including medications, if indicated, much the same as lifelong treatment for diabetes, another chronic disease.