Obesity is a chronic and complex disease affecting millions of people in Spain. According to the latest National Health Survey data, more than 17% of Spanish adults suffer from obesity, and in Andalusia that figure is even higher. Against this backdrop, pharmacological treatment has become a fundamental tool within a comprehensive approach that combines diet, physical exercise and psychological support.

“At our Obesity Unit in Huelva, we treat patients who have spent years struggling with their weight without sustained results. The new medications have been a turning point: they are not a magic solution, but they are a powerful lever when used correctly and under medical supervision.” — Dr Christian Leyva

When is pharmacological treatment for obesity recommended?

Medications for weight loss are indicated when the Body Mass Index (BMI) is equal to or greater than 30 kg/m², or from 27 kg/m² upwards when associated comorbidities are present, such as type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, sleep apnoea or dyslipidaemia. Under no circumstances should they be used without a prescription and medical supervision.

Principal obesity medications approved in Spain

1. Semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy®)

Semaglutide is undoubtedly the most widely discussed medication in the field of weight loss in recent years. It belongs to the family of GLP-1 receptor agonists and works by mimicking the action of an intestinal hormone that regulates appetite and blood glucose.

Wegovy® (2.4 mg weekly subcutaneous injection) is approved specifically for the treatment of obesity and has demonstrated weight losses of up to 15–17% of body weight.

Ozempic® (approved for type 2 diabetes) is also used in the management of patients with both obesity and diabetes.

“Semaglutide has changed the way we understand the treatment of obesity. At our clinic in Huelva, we are seeing results that we previously only achieved with bariatric surgery. But it must be said clearly: without lifestyle changes, the benefits are only partial.” — Dr Christian Leyva

2. Liraglutide (Saxenda®)

Liraglutide, also a GLP-1 agonist, was a pioneer in the pharmacological treatment of obesity. It is administered via daily subcutaneous injection and is approved for patients with a BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with comorbidities). Weight reductions in pivotal studies range between 5 and 10% of initial body weight.

3. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

Tirzepatide is the major pharmacological development in obesity treatment. It acts on two receptors simultaneously (GIP and GLP-1), making it the most potent treatment currently available. The SURMOUNT clinical trials have demonstrated weight losses of up to 22% of body weight, surpassing even semaglutide.

It is currently approved in Spain for type 2 diabetes under the name Mounjaro®, and its indication for obesity is being reviewed at European level.

4. Orlistat (Xenical® / Alli®)

Orlistat has the longest track record in obesity treatment. It works by inhibiting pancreatic lipases, reducing the absorption of dietary fat by approximately 30%. It is the only medication approved for dispensing in pharmacies without a prescription (Alli®, 60 mg). Its efficacy is more modest than the newer GLP-1 agonists, but its safety profile is very well established.

5. Naltrexone/Bupropion (Mysimba®)

This combination medication acts on the central nervous system, reducing appetite and cravings. It is indicated as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet and physical exercise. Average weight loss is between 5 and 9%. Its use is contraindicated in patients with epilepsy, eating disorders or those receiving opioid treatment.

Are weight-loss medications safe?

All of the medications mentioned above have undergone rigorous approval processes by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). However, like any pharmacological treatment, they carry side effects that must be assessed on an individual basis. The most common with GLP-1 agonists are nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly during the dose adjustment period.

“At our Obesity Unit, we monitor each patient closely. The key lies in personalisation: there is no single ideal medication for everyone. We assess each person’s clinical history, associated conditions and individual goals in order to select the most appropriate treatment.”

Obesity treatment in Huelva: your obesity specialist, Dr Christian Leyva

At Dr Christian Leyva’s Obesity Unit in Huelva, pharmacological treatment is always part of a multidisciplinary programme that includes:

• A full medical assessment and metabolic analysis
• A personalised nutritional plan with a registered dietitian-nutritionist
• A tailored physical activity programme
• Behavioural psychological support
• Regular follow-up with treatment adjustments

If you have been trying to lose weight for some time without success and believe you could benefit from pharmacological treatment, request a consultation with Dr Christian Leyva and receive a specialist assessment at our Obesity Unit in Huelva.