The prevalence of
obesity in the USA and worldwide has reached epidemic proportions during the last two decades. Drugs currently available for the treatment of
obesity provide no more than 5% placebo-adjusted
weight loss and are associated with undesirable side effects.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (
PPAR) modulators offer potential benefits for the treatment of
obesity and its associated complications but their development has been complicated by
biological, technical, and regulatory challenges. Despite significant challenges,
PPAR modulators are attractive targets for the treatment of
obesity and could offer a viable alternative to the millions of patients who fail to lose weight following rigorous dieting and exercise protocols. In addition,
PPAR modulators have the potential-added benefit of ameliorating the associated comorbidities.