In the context of pharmacology, the long-term management of obesity involves using medications that can help patients achieve and maintain weight loss. Let's analyze the options provided:
- Sibutramine: This was previously used for weight loss but has been withdrawn from the market in many countries due to cardiovascular risk.
- Fenfluramine: Part of the fen-phen combination that was withdrawn from the market due to risk of heart valve disease.
- Metformin: Primarily used as an antidiabetic medication for type 2 diabetes; not primarily indicated for obesity management.
- Liraglutide: Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, Liraglutide has been approved at a higher dose specifically for chronic weight management in obese patients or those with obesity-related complications.
Considering the options, Liraglutide is the drug used for the long-term management of obesity, effectively helping patients to lose weight and maintain weight loss in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.