Endocrine Reviews, September 9, 2026
Ania M. Jastreboff, Jamy D. Ard, Kevin D. Hall, Lee M. Kaplan, Harlan M. Krumholz, Michelle Van Name, Donna H. Ryan, and Daniel J. Drucker
The medical management of obesity has been transformed by the introduction of obesity medicines (OMs), based on the actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 and other nutrient-stimulated hormones, enabling the achievement of unprecedented weight reduction through pharmacotherapy. Here we review our current understanding of key issues surrounding obesity treatment, weight reduction, and improving health for people living with obesity. Key gaps in our knowledge of fundamental aspects of energy homeostasis are identified with a focus on their translational importance for improving outcomes. We discuss the utility of weight and health metrics, heterogeneity in achievement of clinical outcomes, individualization of treatment targets and goals, strengths and limitations of clinical trial, observational and real-world data (RWD), opportunities for improving the joint use of lifestyle management and OMs, gaps in our understanding of the long-term safety and side effects of current and emerging medicines, and the potential negative effects of losing weight. Collectively, while not intended as guidance for treatment, this document highlights the considerable progress and new research opportunities for interrogating basic and clinical science with the goal of translating advances in endocrine science into optimized outcomes for a broad range of individuals along the continuum of the weight journey.
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Scientific Statements educate basic scientists, clinical scientists, and clinicians on the scientific basis of disease and on how this knowledge can be applied in clinical practice. These publications provide an evidence-based overview of basic and clinical science topics and identify areas that require additional research. Topics are selected on the basis of their emerging scientific impact on disease and their clinical relevance to the general population. Scientific Statements are developed by a multidisciplinary Task Force of experts with representation from several committees within the Endocrine Society.
