Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41973072›Full record

ReviewJournal of obesity2026

A Narrative Review of Weight Management Strategies: From Lifestyle Interventions to Emerging Pharmacotherapies.

Iman Saad Ahmed, Sara Luay Tapponi, Hala Malek Manaa, Amina Soltani, Elzahraa Shehata Hussein, Fatemeh Ali Parvaresh, Zahid Hussain

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Journal of obesity, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Iman Saad AhmedDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE, sharjah.ac.ae.ORCID 0000-0002-2676-9446
Sara Luay TapponiDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE, sharjah.ac.ae.ORCID 0009-0006-8061-8733
Hala Malek ManaaDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE, sharjah.ac.ae.ORCID 0009-0004-4651-4223
Amina SoltaniDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE, sharjah.ac.ae.
Elzahraa Shehata HusseinDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE, sharjah.ac.ae.
Fatemeh Ali ParvareshDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE, sharjah.ac.ae.
Zahid HussainDepartment of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE, sharjah.ac.ae.ORCID 0000-0002-6978-3133

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundObesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease associated with significant cardiometabolic, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences. Its complex etiology necessitates integrated, evidence-based management strategies beyond simple caloric restriction.

objectiveThis narrative review aims to critically evaluate current and emerging weight management strategies, including lifestyle interventions, dietary patterns, behavioral approaches, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric procedures, with attention to efficacy, limitations, sustainability, and real-world applicability.

methodsA structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles on obesity management. Studies addressing dietary strategies, physical activity, behavioral therapy, antiobesity medications, and surgical or endoscopic interventions were included. Evidence was synthesized narratively, emphasizing comparative effectiveness, safety considerations, and long-term challenges.

resultsLifestyle interventions remain the foundation of obesity management; however, long-term success is often limited by physiological adaptations, behavioral factors, and socioeconomic barriers. Among dietary approaches, differences in weight loss tend to diminish over time, highlighting adherence and sustainability as key determinants of success. Pharmacotherapy has advanced significantly, particularly with incretin-based agents such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, which produce substantial weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits but require ongoing use and may be limited by cost and tolerability. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective long-term intervention for severe obesity, while less invasive endoscopic procedures are expanding treatment options. Behavioral and psychological support plays a critical role in improving adherence across all interventions.

conclusionEffective obesity management requires a personalized, multidisciplinary approach integrating sustainable lifestyle strategies with pharmacological or procedural therapies when appropriate. While recent therapeutic innovations have expanded treatment possibilities, long-term success depends on behavioral support, accessibility, and continued evaluation of safety and cost-effectiveness.

Indexed as

Anti-Obesity AgentsLife StyleObesityObesity ManagementBariatric SurgeryBehavior TherapyExerciseHumansWeight LossAnti-Obesity Agentsantiobesity drugsdiabetes managementGLP-1 agonistsherbalintermittent fastingweight loss

Identifiers

PMID41973072
PMCPMC13075284

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.