American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which type of therapy may be used as an adjunct to diet and physical activity for patients with a higher BMI?

1. Behavioral therapy

2. Pharmacologic therapy

3. Exercise programs

4. Dietary supplements

The correct answer is: Pharmacologic therapy

Pharmacologic therapy is considered an effective adjunct to diet and physical activity for patients with a higher BMI, particularly for those who may not achieve sufficient weight loss or improvement in obesity-related health conditions through lifestyle changes alone. This type of therapy can help patients by providing medications that target various physiological pathways involved in appetite regulation, metabolism, and fat storage, thus facilitating weight loss and potentially improving comorbidities associated with obesity, such as diabetes and hypertension. In patients with a higher BMI, pharmacologic therapy may be recommended when lifestyle interventions have proven inadequate or when the patient presents with obesity-related health risks. These medications must be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight management program that includes dietary changes and increased physical activity for optimal effectiveness. Behavioral therapy, while beneficial, primarily focuses on modifying habits and attitudes related to eating and exercise, rather than directly influencing metabolic processes. Exercise programs and dietary supplements also have roles in weight management but are generally part of the foundational lifestyle approaches rather than pharmacologic interventions specifically designed to aid weight loss. Therefore, pharmacologic therapy plays a crucial role in managing higher BMI, especially when other strategies are insufficient on their own.