Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by excessive fat accumulation and chronic, low-grade inflammation, contributing to a range of associated diseases. Conventional treatments are often limited by poor targeting, low efficacy, and undesirable side effects. Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory properties have attracted considerable attention due to their safety and multitarget mechanisms. Herein, we propose an effective antiobesity strategy involving the construction of a carrier-free nanodrug (CG NPs) via the self-assembly of two natural compounds, curcumin (Cur) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), both of which exhibit multiple antiobesity effects. To achieve efficient and targeted delivery, CG NPs are incorporated into a dissolvable microneedle coated with black phosphorus nanosheets (CG@BP/MN), forming a biocompatible transdermal platform. When combined with mild photothermal therapy, CG@BP/MN enables transdermal drug delivery to modulate subcutaneous fat, efficiently promoting white adipose tissue browning, enhancing lipolysis, and modulating macrophage polarization. Cur and GA act synergistically to regulate lipid metabolism, attenuate inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity. In a diet-induced obesity mouse model, this therapeutic plan significantly reduces body weight, elevates energy expenditure, and prevents weight regain following treatment cessation. Overall, this therapeutic platform represents a safe, effective, and clinically promising approach to the long-term management of obesity.
Tang et al. (2026) studied this question.