Considerations for the Use of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Medications for Obesity in a Plastic Surgery Setting

In recent years, there has been great interest among the medical community and general public in a new generation of medications for treating obesity. Likely due to this interest, there have been anecdotal reports of plastic surgeons beginning to prescribe these medications in their practices. This Special Topic article provides a brief overview of obesity and its evidence-based treatments, including these newer medications. Particular emphasis is placed on the growing consensus that obesity is a chronic disease that contributes to numerous other comorbidities and requires sustained treatment. Plastic surgeons who are interested in using newer obesity medications in their practices may wish to consider the need for additional training to ensure that they are optimizing patient welfare, guarding against harm, and providing care consistent with clinical guidelines and recommended best practices of obesity medicine.