Description
Pharmacotherapy has transformed the management of obesity in human medicine, raising questions about its potential role in veterinary practice. This webinar will explore the emerging evidence for pharmacological approaches to weight management in dogs and cats, considering mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety and current limitations. The session will critically examine where the evidence currently stands, how pharmacotherapy might complement established nutritional and lifestyle interventions, and the practical considerations surrounding its future use. Ultimately, we will ask: are we ready to add pharmacotherapy to our veterinary obesity management toolkit?
Learning Objectives
- Describe the mechanisms of action of key pharmacological approaches being investigated or used for weight management.
- Evaluate the current evidence for the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for obesity in dogs and cats.
- Identify potential adverse effects, contraindications and safety considerations associated with pharmacological weight management.
- Discuss the potential role of pharmacotherapy alongside nutritional, behavioural and lifestyle interventions as part of a multimodal approach to obesity management.
- Recognise the current limitations and evidence gaps surrounding obesity pharmacotherapy and consider its potential future application in companion animal practice.
