Potential Role of Imaging in the Evaluation of Adiposity and Approval of Anti-Obesity Drugs

Abstract

The global increase in obesity highlights the need for accurate tools to assess body composition and monitor treatment efficacy. Traditional metrics, including body mass index and waist circumference, offer limited precision for fat quantification. Imaging-based techniques capable of visualizing internal structures are increasingly being recognized for their ability to provide comprehensive fat assessment. This review outlines the principles, strengths, and limitations of key modalities, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), CT, MRI, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). DXA is cost-effective and accessible for population-level screening, whereas CT and MRI offer higher precision, particularly for visceral fat assessment. BIA is a practical, low-cost alternative, but it is limited by variability and lack of standardization. Regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, are increasingly supporting imaging-based endpoints in clinical trials of anti-obesity drugs because these methods capture fat mass reduction beyond total weight loss. Recent phase III trials of semaglutide and tirzepatide have underscored the utility of DXA and CT in quantifying fat loss and preserving lean mass. Selecting appropriate imaging modalities based on technical capabilities and regulatory considerations can improve the evaluation of obesity treatments and strengthen the design of anti-obesity drug trials.