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Use of Weight Loss Medications in Patients after Bariatric Surgery

  • Obesity Treatment (D Bessesen, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Obesity Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is unfortunately a common occurrence. In this article, we have reviewed the data addressing this clinical problem focusing on pharmacological management of weight regain.

Recent Findings

Data from several small, non-randomized, retrospective, and prospective studies provide evidence that a number of pharmacological options, both FDA approved and off-label, are effective in mitigating and managing weight regain after bariatric surgery. There is a suggestion that the optimal time to initiate weight loss medications may be at the time of weight plateau, rather than after weight regain.

Summary

Adjuvant pharmacotherapy can help treat weight regain after bariatric surgery. Future studies should investigate the optimal timing for starting weight loss medications, as well as the best medication or combinations of medicines, for managing postoperative weight regain in different patient groups, including those who have undergone different types of bariatric surgeries.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Comprehensive Weight Control Center, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Ilana P. Redmond, Alpana P. Shukla & Louis J. Aronne

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  1. Ilana P. Redmond
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  2. Alpana P. Shukla
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  3. Louis J. Aronne
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Correspondence to Ilana P. Redmond.

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Redmond, I.P., Shukla, A.P. & Aronne, L.J. Use of Weight Loss Medications in Patients after Bariatric Surgery. Curr Obes Rep 10, 81–89 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-021-00425-1

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