From medication to movement: The role of physical activity in the treatment of obesity
Authors/Creators
- 1. Dr. B. Hager Multi-Specialist District Hospital in Tarnowskie Góry, ul. Pyskowicka 47-51, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry
- 2. Independent Public Health Care Center of the Municipal Hospital Complex, ul. Strzelców Bytomskich 11, 41-500 Chorzów
- 3. Eurodent Dental Center, ul. Szewska 1, 33-100 Tarnów
- 4. Independent Public Healthcare Institution of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Katowice named after Sergeant Grzegorz Załoga
Description
Abstract
Background. Defined by a BMI ≥ 30, obesity reflects excessive fat deposition linked to increased morbidity. Between 1990 and 2022, global obesity prevalence rose markedly: from 2% to 8% in youth and from 7% to 16% in adults (WHO). Therefore, the implementation of anti-obesity medications, physical exercise, and lifestyle interventions is of growing importance.
Aim. The objective of this article is to assess the role of physical activity in obesity therapy and to compare its efficacy and drawbacks with those of medical treatments.
Material and methods. In May 2025, we performed a search in the open-access PubMed database using the search terms: “(side effects) AND (anti-obesity medication)”. This search covered publications from the years 2020 to 2025 and initially returned 31 relevant studies. Additional relevant studies were identified through reference lists and a supplementary PubMed search, allowing inclusion of some pre-2020 literature. In total, 52 articles were included.
Results. The study explores multiple anti-obesity strategies, including medications such as Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Exenatide, Orforglipron, Retatrutide, Vutiglabridin, and Orlistat, as well as natural compounds and other investigational drugs. The paper also considers physical activity as an integral aspect of obesity management, examining its therapeutic potential and integration with drug-based treatments.
Conclusions. Complementing pharmacological treatment with physical activity is essential for effective obesity management and is vital for sustaining weight loss once pharmacological interventions have ended.