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Obesity pharmacotherapy — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareObesity pharmacotherapyUSMLE Step 3

A 43-year-old woman has BMI 37 kg/m2 and prediabetes despite 8 months of intensive lifestyle intervention. She has no medullary thyroid cancer history, pancreatitis, pregnancy, or gallbladder symptoms. She wants an evidence-based medication for weight loss. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: D — Start a GLP-1 receptor agonist obesity medication with lifestyle therapy

Anti-obesity pharmacotherapy, including GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy when not contraindicated, is appropriate for BMI at least 30 or at least 27 with comorbidity after lifestyle intervention.

Reference: AACE/Obesity Medicine Association Obesity Guidance