J Korean Diabetes.  2019 Jun;20(2):63-66. 10.4093/jkd.2019.20.2.63.

Saxenda® Frenzy: Opinions of an Endocrine and Metabolism Specialist

• Kim S

• KMID: 2451833
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2019.20.2.63

Abstract

Globally, the problem of obesity is increasing, and the prevalence of obesity in Korea is also rising rapidly. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. Therefore, prevention of various metabolic diseases or symptom relief through effective treatment of obesity is a very important problem. According to the obesity guidelines of the Obesity Society of Korea in 2018, obesity medication is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or more, and one or more obesity accompanying diseases (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). In this case, it is recommended that the basic treatment for obesity (diet, exercise, and behavior therapy) should be performed in parallel with Saxenda® treatment. The glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue, Saxenda®, has been validated as a long-term effective and safe treatment for obesity, and is expected to be a promising drug for the treatment of obesity and the prevention of pre-diabetes in the future. However, in Korea, where non-standard obesity treatments are widely practiced, it is necessary to improve the health of obese patients by being treated with Saxenda® along with diet, exercise and behavior therapy.

Keyword

Diabetes mellitus; type 2; Glucagon-like peptide 1; Metabolic diseases; Obesity

MeSH Terms

Behavior Therapy
Body Mass Index
Cardiovascular Diseases
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Diet
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
Humans
Hypertension
Korea
Metabolic Diseases
Metabolism*
Obesity
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Specialization*
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Prevalence of obesity, Korea. Adapted from the article of Seo et al. (J Obes Metab Syndr 2018;27:46–52) [3], with original copyright holder's permission.

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  Fig. 2 Body mass index (BMI) and the incidence rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HTN), and dyslipidemia. Adapted from the article of Seo et al. (J Obes Metab Syndr 2018;27:46–52) [3], with original copyright holder's permission.

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