There is considerable excitement about a new generation of anti-obesity medications (AOMs). These medications supply the body with analogues of hormones that are naturally produced in the gut, including glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1), which signal the termination of eating and suppress hunger. Recent clinical trials demonstrate marked efficacy of GLP-1-based AOMs in promoting weight loss with some evidence that their primary mechanism of action is to limit food intake. Although work is needed to precisely characterize effects on eating behaviors, initial data suggest that GLP-1 analogues can enhance satiation and curb appetite. Ultimately, these new classes of AOMs have potential to counter the obesogenic modern food environment, which promotes the overconsumption of calorie-dense foods.
The proposed conference will bring together scientific, clinical, and industry leaders in the fields of obesity and appetitive behaviors to (a) review advances in obesity pharmacotherapy, (b) describe the findings of key trials of GLP-1-based therapies for weight loss, (c) discuss the mechanisms of action of new-generation AOMs, with an emphasis on effects on eating behaviors, (d) examine the strengths and limitations of new obesity pharmacotherapies, and (d) identify important avenues for future research. This conference will facilitate discourse between scientists working at the intersection of appetitive behavior, obesity medicine, and industry to advance our understanding of the impact of GLP-1-based AOM on the regulation of food intake and body weight.
