There already are quite effective weight-loss drugs but they're not across-the-board medically-approved for that effect (with some exceptions) because they're a

There already are quite effective weight-loss drugs but they're not across-the-board medically-approved for that effect (with some exceptions) because they're also drugs of abuse, namely the cocaine and amphetamine drug families. However, many obese people get around this by getting an ADHD diagnosis (any quick search will reveal that 'obesity and ADHD are highly correlated' due to this phenomenon). The WebMD blurb is fairly accurate: > "Sometimes the medicines most often used to treat ADHD can cause weight loss. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) make you less hungry and make your body burn calories faster than usual. Some of them are even used to help people lose weight or treat binge eating.Oct 26, 2021" More technically: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1523237/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1523237/ "The effects of amphetamine on body weight and energy expenditure" (1992) Jones et. al However, in many cases if people stop taking such drugs they can regain the weight, and the drugs can be addictive if dose regimens are not carefully managed (which doesn't seem to be a problem with ADHD). Note also these drugs are much cheaper than this new class, likely by a factor of 10. In the long run, new behaviors (quitting alcohol and sugary foods, increasing exercise, reducing overall calorie intake, etc.) are probably needed for persistant long-term effects on reducing obesity.