Many different types of anti-obesity medicines have been tested in clinical trials. These medications are recommended for use in cases of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) with complications or risk factors present.

These risk factors may include high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, elevated blood sugar, atherosclerosis, or sleep apnea syndrome.

Medications can also be used to maintain weight loss, for example, in individuals who were previously severely overweight and have successfully lost weight through methods like dieting or weight loss surgery.