Clinical review and role of clinical pharmacists in obesity management: An opinion of the endocrine and metabolism practice and research network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this practice and research network opinion paper was to identify literature for pharmacist‐led services with obesity management, summarize clinical evidence for this disease state, and describe the role of a clinical pharmacist among patients who are overweight or have obesity. Clinical pharmacists play a critical role in the safe and effective management of obesity in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. In an outpatient setting, the role of the clinical pharmacist includes a comprehensive patient interview to design an individualized therapeutic plan involving nonpharmacological interventions with or without pharmacological interventions or surgical options. A clinical pharmacist conducts a risk‐benefit analysis for pharmacological interventions. Furthermore, the potential of medications to contribute to weight gain or prevent weight loss can be reviewed by a clinical pharmacist when managing comorbid conditions. In an inpatient setting, a clinical pharmacist conducts medication reconciliation, determines appropriate supplements for nutritional deficiencies, and provides medication management for people with obesity who may or may not be undergoing bariatric surgery. In addition, a clinical pharmacist can provide thorough patient education with monitoring for transitions from hospital to the outpatient setting and subsequent follow‐up visits.