With the explosive popularity of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, physicians say a key avenue in treating obesity is being underutilized by many clinicians: First-generation anti-obesity medications (AOMs).
“First-generation medications don’t get as much attention as the newer ones,” said Courtney Younglove, MD, an obesity specialist and founder of Heartland Weight Loss in Overland Park, Kansas. “They’re fantastic, too. They just get overlooked.”
Older AOMs typically cost less than GPL-1s, are more accessible, and often have low risks, Younglove said. But patients frequently ask for the newer medications, and some doctors don’t assess their full treatment toolbox before prescribing, she said.
Currently, there are six AOMs approved by the US Food and…