Recent Advancements in the Prevention and Treatment of Genetic and Non-Genetic Obesity: A Pharmacological Perspective of Review

Abstract

Obesity is a complicated, long-term condition caused by a combination of behavioural, environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors. It is a significant risk factor for a number of metabolic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. New knowledge and treatment options for obesity prevention and treatment, especially in relation to its hereditary and non-genetic variants, have been made possible by recent developments in pharmacological research. Monogenic, syndromic, and polygenic forms of genetic obesity are frequently caused by mutations or polymorphisms that impact energy expenditure, appetite control, or fat storage processes. Novel pharmacotherapies have focused on important targets such proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, the leptin signalling pathway, and the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). Rare hereditary types of obesity may be treated with medications like setmelanotide, a selective MC4R agonist. Excessive calorie intake, physical inactivity, and psychological problems contribute to non-genetic (or lifestyle-related) obesity, which is still more common and is frequently treated with a mix of medication and lifestyle changes. Clinical trials have shown that recently licensed medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide, which work on the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) pathways, significantly improve metabolism and reduce body weight. The goal of this review is to present a thorough examination of the most recent pharmacological approaches to treating both hereditary and non-genetic obesity. It emphasizes how crucial combination therapy, new drug targets, and precision medicine will be in determining how obesity is treated and prevented in the future. Keywords: Lipid disorder, genetic obesity, non-genetic obesity, type 2 diabetes, setmelanotide, glucagon-like peptide-1