Phentermine-topiramate and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are the most effective pharmacotherapies for adults with overweight and obesity, leading to bodyweight reductions of 6-11%, a large review shows.

The findings should facilitate optimal, evidence-based decision-making for patients and clinicians when considering weight loss interventions, the Chinese-led researchers say, although they note the most effective agent is approved for the indication only in the US.

In a network meta-analysis of 143 clinical trials with nearly 50,000 participants (median age 47), they examined the benefits and harms associated with 10 weight-lowering drugs compared with lifestyle changes.

The median baseline BMI and length of follow-up was 35.3kg/m² and 24 weeks, respectively.