Recently, many drugs have been approved for halting overweight and obesity—few types of research shifted to using Anti-obesity medications (AOM) solely for well-being and shape-keeping. This narrative review's objective was to explore the use of AOM in relation to their medical indications, efficacy, and cardiovascular safety. We have conducted a narrative review of the literature on approved/non-approved AOM used for obesity and overweight. We have shed light on the emerging trials of therapies and evolving remedies. Recently, there has been an enormous change in the use of AOM with high consumption that deserves extensive surveillance for the long-term consequences and impact on social, mental, and physical health. Nearly six AOMs and combined therapy are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The recent guidelines for obesity management have shifted the focus from weight loss to goals that the patient considers essential and toward targeting the root cause of obesity. The use of AOM increased enormously despite its sometimes-dubious safety and ineffectiveness. The public and medical professionals should be vigilant to the real-world benefits of anti-obesity drugs and their achieved effectiveness with an improved safety profile.
(1) Background: Antibiotic resistance is a serious health issue, and raising public awareness of it is crucial to combating it. This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Malaysia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2022 and March 2023. Malaysian adults aged ≥18 years old and able to understand English or Malay were recruited. During data collection, the WHO questionnaire “Antibiotic Resistance, Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey” was used. Data were collected across 14 states in Malaysia. (3) Results: A total of 517 participants completed the questionnaire. Most participants were females (67.9%), aged 30–49 (46%), and from central Malaysia (69.8%). Most participants (98.5%) reported taking antibiotics. A misconception presented was that sore throats, fevers, colds, and flu can be treated with antibiotics. A total of 58.8% of participants had high knowledge of antibiotic usage (scores 12–15), while 64% had high knowledge of antibiotic resistance (scores 9–14). Findings indicate that increasing age, income, and education were associated with higher knowledge. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the knowledge deficiency of antibiotic resistance among Malaysians. Educational programs should engage a younger and lower socio-economic population to increase awareness.