The increase in
obesity prevalence is problematic as this condition is associated with health complications such as diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases, more particularly when the excess body fat is stored in the deep abdominal region. The mainstay of
therapy consists of behavior modification related to
obesity such as
overeating and physical inactivity. When these lifestyle modifying attempts fail, the use of
anti-obesity drugs is warranted. Drug treatment is often indicated but is somewhat limited by the minimal number of well tolerated drugs that have proven to have long-term efficacy in maintaining
body weight loss. The currently available drugs,
sibutramine and
orlistat, appear modestly effective in promoting
weight loss. Ongoing studies continue to evaluate other drug treatments that may result in
body weight reduction through a number of different mechanisms. Thus, the aim of this review is to present an overview of the current drugs available (particularly
sibutramine and
orlistat) as well as potential future candidates, and the impact of these agents on
obesity and cardiovascular physiology. Furthermore, the therapeutic paradox of
sibutramine in preventing
obesity will be discussed as well as the beneficial impact of physical exercise on cardiac economy.