Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the University Psychological Counseling Unit at the University of Baghdad/ College of Pharmacy, held a scientific discussion session entitled “Obesity Medications: From Myths and Mistakes to Modern Medicine” prepared and presented by a group of students from the Pharmacine Club (Student Scientific Research Club), under the supervision of Assistance Professor Dr. Ali Abdul-Hussein Qasim, faculty member in the Clinical Laboratory Science Department.
The scientific session aimed to raise awareness among students professionals about obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease, and to emphasize the importance of managing it through evidence-based scientific approaches, avoiding unverified remedies or unlicensed drugs that could lead to serious health complications.
The seminar covered several key topics, including; the definition and causes of obesity from physiological, behavioral, and genetic perspectives, a historical overview of drugs that have been misused as weight-loss agents, along with their side effects and health risks when used without medical supervision, a detailed explanation of the FDA-approved medications for obesity management, their mechanisms of action in regulating appetite and metabolism and the future directions in obesity drug development focusing on safety and efficacy through modern pharmaceutical research.
The seminar concluded that obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue, but a disease that requires a comprehensive treatment plan, including lifestyle modification, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and close medical supervision when pharmacological therapy is needed. It also emphasized the importance of consulting a physician or pharmacist before using any weight-loss medication.
Additionally, a promotional brochure prepared by the students of the Research Club was distributed during the session. The brochure contained a summary of information about currently approved obesity medications, their mechanisms of action, and their main side effects, with the aim of enhancing drug awareness among students and participants and reinforcing the application of scientific concepts in practice.
