Update on pharmacological treatment for obesity available in Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29076/issn.2602-8360vol10iss18.2026pp25-32pKeywords:
body mass index, BMI, obesity, overweight, nutritionAbstract
According to the STEPS 2018 survey conducted by Ecuador's Ministry of Public Health, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among Ecuadorian adults reached 63.6% in a sample of 4,638 participants. The World Health Organization reports that, as of 2022, the prevalence of obesity in Ecuador is higher among women than men: 32.3% versus 22.3%, respectively. This bibliographic review was developed through the selection of secondary sources — including review articles, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and databases from Ecuadorian statistical institutes — focusing on obesity and its pharmacological treatment. The search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, SciELO, and official Ecuadorian government websites, excluding publications older than ten years. The pharmacological agents are described based on the most recent update of Ecuador's Basic Medicines List (2022). Although this list does not include medications specifically indicated for the treatment of obesity, the National Agency for Health Regulation, Control and Surveillance (ARCSA) keeps a registry of those available at private pharmacies, the purchase of which is not covered by public funding.
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