A Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Approval and Safety Information for Major Anti-Obesity Medications in South Korea, the United States, Europe, and Japan

Obesity is a serious chronic disease associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.Recently, South Korea has experienced a rapid increase in adult obesity prevalence, leading to greater use of anti-obesity medications.This increased use, however, is accompanied by growing concerns about drug safety, particularly regarding long-term adverse effects.This study aims to compare the regulatory guidelines and approval conditions as of August 6, 2025, for major obesity treatments authorized in South Korea with those of the United States, Europe, and Japan.The goal is to systematically analyze the differences in safety management standards, such as contraindications and precautions, and to derive policy implications for enhancing patient safety in the domestic healthcare environment.(PeRM 2026;18