Incretins for obesity: closer to a nicotine patch than a silver bullet.

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a pandemic and a key driver of type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and healthcare spending. Incretin drug therapy prescribing for obesity has dramatically increased in recent years, necessitating researchers and clinicians to rapidly update their understanding of and approach to obesity management.

AREAS COVERED: We assembled a multi-disciplinary team of experts to identify and complete a narrative review of the relevant literature regarding behavioral interventions, nutrition, physical activity, incretin drug therapy for weight loss, and the management of incretin drug adverse effects.

EXPERT OPINION: Incretin drug therapy can produce significant weight loss in properly selected individuals. However, many do not continue therapy indefinitely. To maximize the benefits of incretin therapy, individuals should receive behavioral support to increase their physical activity, the healthfulness of their diet, protein intake, awareness of food triggers, and ultimately their probability of short-term weight loss and long-term weight maintenance regardless of the long-term use of incretin therapy.