Physical functioning assessments are a vital component of clinical research in obesity drug development due to their ability to provide invaluable insights into the efficacy and safety of potential medications. By subjecting participants to controlled exercise regimens, researchers can gauge the drug’s impact on metabolic parameters, cardiovascular health, exercise tolerance, and physical fitness, including strength, balance, and gait. Moreover, physical functioning assessments allow for the identification of adverse effects or limitations of the drug under physiological stress, guiding adjustments in dosage or formulation to optimize patient outcomes. Integrating physical functioning assessments into clinical research ensures a comprehensive evaluation of obesity medications, facilitating the development of more effective and safer treatments for this widespread health concern.