National Trends in Antiobesity Medication Use

Abstract

OBESITY IS a common and chronic condition whose prevalence has increased steadily in the United States from 15% in 1976-1980 to 27% in 2000.¹ Obesity contributes to a myriad of health problems, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, congestive heart failure, lipid disorders, arthritis, and some cancers. Obesity and related conditions contribute to nearly 300 000 annual deaths in the United States² and have health care and associated annual costs between $70 billion and $200 billion.^3-5